Photo: CTV

A Burnaby resident has removed a confederate flag from his home after receiving threats.

Shocked neighbours say they were stunned to see the flag go up in light of escalating racial tensions in the United States.

But, the homeowner says it had nothing to do with white supremacist groups. He says he put up the flag to honour a dying American friend.

"I have a very sick friend who did unbelievable things as a human being and the fact that he did it as a black man and what he accomplished in his life," the homeowner, who gave his name as Tom, told CTV.

"It's got nothing to do with any of that other crap. Believe me I'm not like that."

Neighbours see the flag as a symbol of intolerance and hatred, however.

"I just couldn't really believe that someone was actually flying that flag at this moment in time with everything that's going on in the States," said Anna Czarkowski.

Tom says he took down the flag out of concern for the safety of his family.

– with files from CTV Vancouver