The appearance of more anti-PSNI posters in Lurgan ahead of a police engagement event has been condemned by a DUP MP as “deeply concerning”.
DUP MP Carla Lockhart also said some individuals “within the Republican community seek to undermine attempts at positive engagement”.
It comes as the posters were discovered in the area on Tuesday ahead of the police’s event in the North Lurgan Community Centre.
Ms Lockhart condemned the erection of the posters and said they were “clearly designed to intimidate and create a chilling effect on efforts by the PSNI to build relationships with local communities.”
She also called on other political parties to also condemn the actions and “actively encourage” engagement with the PSNI.
“It is deeply concerning that, at a time when there has been much discussion about the underrepresentation of Catholic officers in the PSNI and how this can be addressed, that some within the Republican community seek to undermine attempts at positive engagement,” she said.
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“There has been ample opportunity for community leaders and elected representatives in these areas to remove these posters, yet there is no evidence that they have done so. That sends a worrying message.
“There is still time, however, for Sinn Fein, the SDLP, and others to publicly condemn these actions and to actively encourage engagement with the PSNI. Silence is not an option.
“I commend the PSNI for their proactive approach in reaching out to all communities, despite this blatant attempt to create fear and division. No one should be intimidated for wanting to engage with their local police service, and we need community leadership that supports those wanting to engage.”
Sinn Fein and the SDLP have both been contacted in response.
It comes after a number of anti-police posters were discovered in the Holylands in Belfast on Friday.
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 they were “menacing and sinister”.
“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,” Mr Clarke said last week.
“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.”
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.”