England flags on London’s “most patriotic” estate have reportedly been “cut down” in the dead of night by a mystery vandal. The Kirby Estate, in Bermondsey, is famous for its huge display of flags and murals in support of the national team during major football tournaments
The estate has become famous for its displays which have celebrated football stars such as Fran Kirby and Crystal Palace’s FA Cup final winner Eberechi Eze. With the Lionesses currently representing the country at Euro 2025, the estate has once again pulled out all the stops to support the team.
England flag bunting can be seen strung up between the different buildings on the patriotic estate. But in a shocking incident, the estate announced that residents had woken up “disappointed” to see their England bunting cut down by a mystery vandal. The act allegedly took place at around 2am on several nights over the weekend.
A spokesperson for the estate posted to X: “Over the last few nights at around 2am…someone has taken it upon themselves to cut down the majority of our flags that we’ve put up…woke up this morning to more flags on the ground. Disappointed to say the least.”
Thankfully, most of the flags seem to be back up and hanging above the Kirby Estate once again. The estate even announced that they had been delivered a reel of string by someone to replace their lost bunting.
The estate has been a major backer of the women’s game over the years. In 2022, it showcased an eye-catching mural of former Lionesses player Fran Kirby. Chris Dowse, who has lived on the Kirby estate for 12 years, got in touch with the street artists after he saw their work at last year’s men’s Euros final.
The member of the Friends of the Kirby estate told MyLondon at the time: “If the mural can inspire little children on this estate and around the country that it’s ok for girls to play football like boys, then it’s only going to go onwards and upwards.”
He added that “there was only ever going to be one player” on the mural and that it was “meant to be”, adding that it was “massively important” for the women’s game to develop.
The Lionesses have secured their spot in Euro 2025 quarter final where they will take on Sweden tomorrow (Thursday, July 17) at 8pm. Team captain Leah Williamson will be hoping to lead the players to another victory, after England beat Germany 2-1 to win the Euro 2022 tournament.
Viewers can watch the match on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport Website.
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