AN LGBT+ forum said “hate will not win” after the rainbow flag outside a council building was “removed and burnt”.

The North Somerset LGBT+ Forum said they were “saddened” to hear that the Pride flag had been damaged in “an act of hate” on the night of June 12.

The forum also thanked Weston-super-Mare Town Council for their “swift action” and added that the flag has been replaced.

Their full message said: “The North Somerset LGBT+ Forum are saddened to hear that the progress rainbow flag outside Weston Town Council's Grove House, raised by the town mayor to celebrate Pride Month, was removed and burnt last night in an act of hate.

“We thank the council for taking swift action, and the flag has now been replaced.

“We await further information from the police investigation which has been initiated.

“For this to happen during Pride Month sadly demonstrates the ongoing hostility our communities receive, and that the need for awareness, education, and acceptance has not gone away. Hate will not win.”

Avon and Somerset Police said they are treating the incident as a hate crime.

A spokesperson said: “We were called at 9.15am to a report that a Pride flag had been removed from outside Grove House in Weston-super-Mare and set on fire, destroying the flag.

“This is believed to have taken place between 5pm on Wednesday (12 June) and 7.30am yesterday (13 June).

“The incident is being treated as a hate crime and enquiries to identify those responsible are ongoing.

“If you have any information which could help our investigation, please call 101 and quote reference 5224152268.”