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Pride flag stolen, flagpole cut down at Norwich school, OPP seek
suspects

   CBC News | Posted: June 8, 2026 5:23 PM | Last Updated: 20
   hours ago

   Police seek 2 suspects after second Pride flag incident at
   Emily Stowe Public School

   Image | Pride flag Norwich, Ont.

   Caption: A Pride flag on display in Norwich, Ont., a community
   that has experienced repeated acts of vandalism toward its
   LGBTQ+ community. (Andrew Lupton/CBC)
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   A Pride flag was stolen, and a metal flagpole was cut down at a
   Norwich elementary school over the weekend, just days after
   another Pride flag at the same school was allegedly removed and
   set on fire.
   Oxford OPP said they were notified Sunday of vandalism and
   theft at Emily Stowe Public School on Jerdon Street in Norwich,
   Ont.
   Two unknown suspects went to the school at approximately 10:30
   p.m. Saturday, according to police. Investigators allege the
   pair cut down a metal flagpole, removed a recently replaced
   rainbow Pride flag and then fled the area toward Stover Street.
   The incident comes one week after another Pride flag at the
   school was stolen and set on fire, prompting a separate OPP
   investigation. In that case, police said a Pride flag was
   removed from the school's flagpole and burned during the
   overnight hours of June 1.
     * Provincial police investigating after Pride flag lit on
       fire again at Norwich School

   The suspects are described as white males in their late teens
   or early 20s.
   One suspect is described as having a thin build and was wearing
   a light-coloured shirt, blue shorts and dark-coloured boots.
   The second suspect is also described as having a thin build and
   was wearing a light-coloured hat, a black T-shirt and blue
   pants.
   In a statement sent to parents following the first incident
   last week, the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) said
   the flag is raised to support inclusivity.
   "This action can cause real harm to members of our community,
   particularly those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. The Pride flag
   is a visible reminder that the 2SLGBTQIA+ identities are
   affirmed that belonging matters," said TVDSB. "There is no
   place for hatred and discrimination in our school community."
   Police are asking anyone with information about the incident,
   including security camera or doorbell footage from the area, to
   contact the Oxford OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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