The PSNI launched a major operation yesterday in south Armagh after a tricolour was reported stolen from a hunger strike memorial.
The area around Ford’s Cross, near Silverbridge, was sealed off after the theft of the flag and flagpole was reported to police.
It is understood the tricolour, which flies at the roadside memorial, is targeted annually by suspected loyalist bonfire builders.
In a bid to beat the thieves a hidden camera was placed in long grass nearby this year and it is understood footage captured by the device was placed on Facebook yesterday.
The matter was also reported to police as a hate crime.
Local Sinn Féin councillor Barra ÓMuirí last night said police have claimed that batteries and wires had been found in long grass in the area.
It is understood some locals believe the batteries and wires may have been used to power the hidden camera.
Mr ÓMuirí questioned the scale of the PSNI response last night.
“I certainly hope everything is alright and I am not trying to disparage the work of the PSNI," he said.
“We welcome the investigation into the theft.
“Maybe it’s a knee jerk reaction.”
A spokesman for the PSNI said: “Police are currently dealing with an ongoing incident in the Silverbridge area.
"As a result of this roads in the vicinity of Ford’s Cross has been closed and diversions are in place."
