(Picture credit: Imgur)

Police using water cannons to break up a Gay Pride parade inadvertently ended up creating a beautiful rainbow in the sky.

Cops in Istanbul, Turkey, were left red-faced on Sunday when the water fused with the sunshine to form the colourful - and highly symbolic - spectacle.

Marchers were stunned to see the mesmerising arc, similar to that used on the LGBT pride flag, appearing to shoot out of their alleged enemy’s cannon.

The astonishing sight was caught on camera and posted to Imgur. It’s since gone viral.

“The irony is strong with this one,” wrote one commenter.

“Don’t tell Erdogan about irony. He’ll make it illegal,” added another.

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(Picture credit: AP)

Two people were injured as police turned on the thousands of demonstrators. They were peppered with rubber bullets and tear gas, according to reports.

The parade has taken place annually over the last 13 years.

But this year people were reportedly encouraged not to take part because it coincided with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.