A security review is under way after a protester removed an Israeli flag from Sheffield town hall during a pro-Palestine rally in the city.
Footage posted on social media showed two people scaling the 60-metre (200ft) tall building during a demonstration on Tuesday evening.
The flag is seen to be thrown from the landmark Victorian building and replaced with the Palestinian flag, to cheers from those gathered below.
Reports that the Israeli flag was destroyed were not true, according to a Sheffield city council spokesperson who said it was handed back to officials from the local authority.
The council leader, Tom Hunt, said: “Everyone has the right to safe and peaceful protest but we cannot support the events that took place during the protest outside Sheffield’s town hall.
“Protesters put themselves and others in serious danger. We are a city of sanctuary, and this is not what we stand for.”
Hunt added: “There are strong feelings about the situation in Israel and Palestine but we ask everyone to show respect and tolerance at this time. Our thoughts are with all those affected, including here in the UK.
“Terrorism is never justified. We call for peace and an end to attacks on innocent men, women and children in Israel and Palestine.”
South Yorkshire police have appealed for help identifying the two men involved in the incident, which it said took place shortly after 6pm.
The force said “minor disorder” led to the two suspects fleeing the scene when officers attempted to disperse the crowds.
Sheffield city council said a union flag was hoisted at 8pm, a move it said was planned before the incident.
The spokesperson said the council had displayed the Israeli flag to show solidarity.
She said the decision was taken in accordance with the authority’s flag protocol and in response a request from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to consider doing it.
The spokesperson said a full review of the incident had begun, including an examination of security measures
South Yorkshire police have been contacted for comment.
