A banner with the Parachute Regiment emblem on it has been erected in Enniskillen showing support for army veterans.

The banner, which reads: "Enniskillen opposes the witch hunt against our British veterans" and is flanked by the emblem of the Parachute Regiment was erected on the Dublin Road in the last 24 hours.

Former soldiers of the Parachute Regiment have been in the spotlight recently following the inquest into the Ballymurphy Massacre in August 1971 and of Soldier 'F' who is due to appear in court in August to face accusations of murdering two people during Bloody Sunday in January 1972.

Sinn Féin MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Jemma Dolan has claimed the banner is in suppport of Soldier 'F' and has called for its immediate removal.

“The erection of this banner in support of ‘Soldier F’ is a clear attempt to stir up community divisions as it is placed in a central thoroughfare in the county town of Fermanagh.

“I have been contacted by a number of Enniskillen and Fermanagh residents, from all backgrounds, who feel they are being intimidated by this disgraceful display.

“This banner is both provocative and offensive and is designed to cause hurt and pain.

“Those in positions of leadership within unionism need to come out clearly and state their opposition to this banner and other similar ones right across the north and call for their removal.

“I have reported this banner to the PSNI. It should be removed immediately."

A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: “The illegal display of flags/banners continues to be a difficult issue for many people.

“It is important to note that it is an offence for any flag or banner to be attached to a street lighting column owned by DfI without the express permission of the Department. We do investigate complaints and take action if displays create road safety concerns.

“In line with current policy and as set out in the Flags Protocol, we will also take action to arrange for the removal of flags and banners where there is clear community support for their removal and where we are satisfied that removing them will not further raise community tensions or present risks to the safety of our staff and contractors. We work closely with colleagues in the PSNI in reaching such decisions.

“However, although we may have the power to prosecute, the reality is that prosecution does not solve the underlying factors that give rise to such displays and we need also to be mindful of the broader issues including heightening of community tension and compromising the safety of our staff.”

There has been widesrpead controversy and condemnation over the erection of flags and banners throughout Northern Ireland in recent weeks.

Belfast City Council passed a motion to take legal action against the Department of Infrastructure over flags being put up in parts of the city.

The Department own the lamp posts many of these flags and banners are attached to.

In Derry City and Strabane Council, Sinn Féin put forward a motion in committee to back the Belfast City Council motion. It was approved and a vote is set for later in the month at full Council.

Last month, following the erection of a number of Parachute Regmient flags and banners, the Ministry of Defence of defence spoke out about the unofficial flying of Army flags and emblems.