Jerusalem Crusade Catholic flags endorsed by Danny Tommo hung up in Portsmouth after anti-migrant protests

A Christian activist group have put up 15 medieval Christian 'crusade' flags on a Portsmouth roundabout where there has been two protests in two weeks.

The Disciples of Christ put up the symbols along the A3 in Cosham. Far-right activist Daniel Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo, endorsed the campaign and said 'the crusade is back' and that 'Christianity is back at the front of the fight'.

The flag was used during the crusades, religious wars fought between the 11th and 13th centuries, to symbolise the Christian presence in the Holy Land.

Danny Tommo, 37 - who has been one of the instigators of recent protests in the city - said that the 'significance' of the symbol is very important to understand. He visited Portsmouth to see the flags after they were put up on the busy roundabout.

In a video he shared on his YouTube channel, he said: "They sent me a video of flags being put up in Portsmouth. The crusader flag. And I thought the significance of it is very important to understand. Where our country, where these working class, where we are currently starting to find ourselves in a real pushback.

"A pushback that we've never seen before. The feeling is changing. You know, I think the significance of seeing this flag and what it represents, the Christianity side of it. The side of it that we feel that the Patriots have a platform, what it's done is not just awaken a lion. It's created a sense of feeling that more can be done."

In another post on social media, Thomas said: "Portsmouth raises the crusader flag! Christianity is back at the front of the fight. Christ is King. The crusade is back."

Disciples of Christ posted a video showing them putting around 15 flags up around a roundabout in Cosham, in Portsmouth. On social media, they said: "We have raised the crosses! The Disciples flew the Jerusalem Cross in Cosham, Portsmouth. No more talk. Now is the time for action. Join us and pick up your cross."

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The flags were placed on streetlights along the A3 in Cosham, and some were placed outside the neighbouring police and fire station. The medieval flag, with one large red cross and four smaller crosses on it, was used during the Crusades as a religious symbol and was meant to symbolise valour and faith.

It was used during the military campaigns by knights and was often placed on their armour and flags. The flag was used by the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, but its use has become more controversial in modern times.

The anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth on September 6, was sparked when 120 migrants were brought ashore at Eastney Point by the RNLI.

The second protest, which has led to several arrests, was organised on September 12, with an opposition protest happening alongside. The RNLI lifeboat station in Portsmouth has been closed due to volunteers receiving a torrent of abuse.