A “no Irish, no gay” banner which appeared on a bridge of the A1 motorway near Lurgan in Co Armagh has been condemned as “despicable”.

The large banner was photographed on Friday morning, sparking fury on social media.

It was later removed by police, who are now investigating the incident as a suspected hate crime.

A PSNI spokeswoman said: "Police received a report of an offensive banner on a bridge over the M1 motorway between junctions nine and 10.

“Officers have removed the banner and the matter is being treated as a hate incident with a racial and homophobic motive.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact officers at Lurgan on 101.”

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney described the banner as “reprehensible”.

He added: “Over the summer, the largest, most vibrant, colourful Pride parades took place across Ireland, and thousands of people have also taken to the streets in support of Acht Gaeilge.

“This sent a clear message that the tide is changing.”

SDLP MLA Pat Catney also condemned the banner, and said the views expressed do not represent the majority of people in Northern Ireland.

“For too long, anti-Irish rhetoric was deemed acceptable across these islands,” he said.

“These days are long gone and despite the best efforts of some, they aren't coming back.”

Mr Catney added: “Likewise, spray can warriors will not hold back the progression of LGBT+ rights here in the North.

“These views are not representative of the majority of people in Northern Ireland and they will not be tolerated.”