A rainbow flag that flew from the Aeolian Hall in Old East London was ripped down by vandals and thrown down a sewer last Sunday.

The incident, captured by on video, has been posted on the Aeolian Hall's Facebook page.

Clark Bryan, who has run the Aeolian since 2004, said he was surprised the vandalism would take place on a Sunday afternoon but he has noticed a rebound in homophobia recently.

“I see this has a hate element to it. This is also the first year we have had homophobic social media attacks. People feel they can use that voice where they have been silent before,” said Bryan.

The video shows two men walking past the building at Dundas And Rectory streets around 1 p.m.

One of the men, who is shirtless, jumps up several times and then grabs the flag, pulling it down along with the flag pole.

At first the two men walk away, leaving the flagpole on the sidewalk but they quickly double back, lift a grate and stuff the flagpole down the sewer.

Aeolian normally flies the rainbow flag during Pride celebrations, said Bryan, who decided to leave it up a bit longer this year to make a statement.

Police are investigating, Bryan said, adding they may know one of the suspects in the video

Bryan is asking anyone with information about the vandalism to contact him at 519-672 7950 or email info@aolianhall.ca. Police can be reached at 519-661-5670.

He said the rainbow flag will be replaced shortly.

“We need to pay attention and create safe places for people of diversity,” he said.

hdaniszewski@postmedia.com

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