Founder of Raise the Colours charged with murder

He was arrested following an incident outside a bar in which two men were punched.

Billy Allison, one of the founders of the movement which has risen to prominence in recent months, has been charged with murder and grievous bodily harm with intent.

Allison, from Solihull, was arrested following an incident outside a bar in Lichfield at 11.25pm on May 24 in which two men were punched.

One of the victims, Matthew O’Gara, died in hospital on Tuesday of this week, whilst the second has been discharged from hospital.

Allison was arrested just after 5am on Monday 26 May, Staffordshire police said in a statement.

The statement read: "A man has been charged with murder after a man who was seriously assaulted in Lichfield sadly died.

"We were called to the Ricco and Loren bar on Market Street at 11.25pm on Sunday (24 May) following reports that two men had been punched.

"Sadly, one of the men, who was seriously injured, died in hospital this afternoon (Tuesday 26 May). His family are being supported by specialist officers at this tragic time.

"The second victim was also taken to hospital but has since been discharged.

"Billy Allison, 36, from Solihull, was arrested just after 5am on Monday (26 May). He has been charged with murder and Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent."

He has been charged with murder and Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.

A trial date has been set for October 26.

Allison is one of the founding members of Operation Raise the Colours. This became a nationwide campaign last summer where people were encouraged to put St George’s and Union flags up in their local area.