Stoke-on-Trent City Council has issued a statement after the St George's Cross was seen painted on zebra crossings across the city.

Paint representing the England flag appeared to have been added to a newly refurbished crossing on Westport Road, in Burslem, which the council has since covered. White crosses can now be seen covering where red paint was applied.

The city council says it is removing the paint from crossings "as quickly as resources allow", reminding residents that painting on public property is illegal.

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "We have had reports of flags being painted on road crossings in the city. We are repairing these as quickly as resources allow. 

"We support free expression - including the flying of flags from private homes.

"But painting flags over public property is illegal and - in the case of road crossings - dangerous to pedestrians and motorists.

"This is vandalism and it costs public money to repair the damage which could be better spent on vital services."

Mini roundabouts have also been seen with red paint, representing the England flag, in nearby Kidsgrove and Biddulph.

The road markings appear to be part of a fast-growing national trend dubbed 'Raise the Colours', which has seen similar scenes unfold in towns and cities across England in recent weeks.