The UDA gunman mural in east Belfast that has been lampooned online in recent days

THE PSNI is investigating after an officer was seen apparently posing for a photograph in front of a loyalist paramilitary mural.

A picture posted online appears to show a uniformed police officer standing with a dog in front of a UFF mural in east Belfast.

Another officer is seen standing at the side of the road and appears to be taking a photograph with a smartphone of his colleague.

The scene was captured on the Newtownards Road by a passing motorist shortly before 11.20am on July 13.

The PSNI has said it will review the image and decide whether any action is required.

Superintendent Barbara Gray said: "Now that this matter has been brought to our attention we will review the circumstances and take action as appropriate."

The mural appears to be a newly painted image of a UDA gunman that has been lampooned on social media sites in recent days.

Some internet users have poked fun at the gunman's oddly proportioned hands and curved rifle, described on one site as a "bendy banana gun".

It has led to various parodies of the mural, with the gunman being spliced with images from Father Ted, Spider-Man and Star Wars.

Alliance East Belfast MLA Chris Lyttle yesterday criticised the new mural.

"The only purpose served by paramilitary murals of masked gunmen is to glorify terrorism, promote fear and impede progress in our community. Of course we cannot forget our past but it should not dictate our future," he said.

"There is much positive heritage for artists to depict in east Belfast and Alliance has supported excellent work to re-image murals in the area , including a boxing mural at Templemore Street and also the cross-community youth mural project at Bridge End.

"It is this type of positive imagery we should be using to inspire the next generation and there should no longer be any acceptance of the imagery or reality of paramilitary control."