Masked individuals erected Union flags on lampposts in the Drumnagoon area of Craigavon on Tuesday evening, prompting complaints from residents. By Thursday morning, the flags had been taken down.

The PSNI confirmed it received reports of the flags on Wednesday and increased patrols in the area. Local policing inspector Campbell said officers engaged with community representatives to address concerns, and urged anyone feeling intimidated to report to police immediately.

Cllr Catherine Nelson, representing the area, said the flags were put up to mark territory and intimidate residents. She stressed that any response should be guided by the views of local people and that no outside group had the right to impose on the community.

Alliance MLA Eoin Tennyson said it was the first time in at least a decade that flags had appeared in Drumnagoon, and he had received significant feedback from residents across backgrounds who were concerned about the impact. He described the area as integrated and mixed, and said such actions risk creating division.

Police said that primary responsibility for removing material like flags lies with the owner or the property owner where it is displayed, but that each incident is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and if an offence is suspected, an investigation will follow.