The appearance of anti-PSNI posters in parts of south Belfast has been condemned, with the DUP calling for “nationalist leadership” over the issue.
The DUP described the posters – which have been seen around the Holylands area – as “menacing and sinister”, as the PSNI urged the public not to “share or circulate” the images.
The posters circulated called for people to reject “British policing in Ireland” and include intimidatory statements like “always look over your shoulder” and “live in fear”.
DUP MLA and Policing Board member Trevor Clarke said: “These menacing and sinister posters are unacceptable in a society that values the rule of law,” he said.
“At a time when our police officers work tirelessly to protect all communities, attempts to intimidate or delegitimise them serve only to undermine public safety and create division.
“There must be clear leadership from within the nationalist and republican communities to call out this sinister act. Respect for the rule of law is a cornerstone of a democratic society.
“I am glad these posters have been removed and I call on the community to stand united against such displays.”
Speaking on BBC NI’s Nolan Show, former UUP leader and MLA Doug Beattie said: “It is pure intimidation and if it is not an offence it should be an offence.
“We should be venerating our police officers we should be allowing our police officers in our schools at a very early age to tell people about a career in the police.
“Politicians like me or from nationalist communities or other communities should be out and helping the police to recruit.”
Meanwhile a PSNI spokesperson said: “We are aware of a number of inappropriate and unacceptable posters in the Belfast area featuring our advertising material.
“These posters have clearly been created by those seek to thwart our recruitment campaign.
“We would urge anyone who comes across these posters, either online or physically, not to share or circulate this material further.”
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