Loyalists in Tyrone and and Armagh have said the PSNI is no longer welcome in their areas amid claims of “two-tier” policing.

The fallout came in the same week as race-hate violence erupted in several unionist areas across the north resulting in the homes of several migrant workers being targeted.

Dozens of PSNI officers were injured as the trouble spread from Ballymena in Co Antrim to several other towns including Coleraine in Co Derry and Portadown in Co Armagh.

The police crackdown has included dozens of arrests.

Markethill loyalistsMarkethill loyalists

It has now emerged that loyalists in several areas have pulled support for the police.

“PSNI not welcome in loyalist areas” images have been circulated on social media websites linked to loyalist groups.

In a message posted on Facebook, Moygashel Bonfire Association, based in Co Tyrone, claimed it has “received reports of police harassing local loyalist youths” in the area.

“This has followed on from an intrusive and provocative police operation at a recent memorial parade in the village.”

This is believed to be a reference to memorial parade held in the village in memory of suspected UVF killer Wesley Somerville earlier this year.

Somerville, who was also a member of the UDR, died when his own bomb exploded as he attempted to murder members of the Miami Showband in July 1975.

“This two-tier approach to policing is unacceptable and therefore we feel we can no longer liaise with the PSNI over local upcoming cultural celebrations,” the bonfire group said.

“This will remain the status quo until confidence in policing is restored.

“We fear that if this form of policing continues it could raise tensions further until we find ourselves in an uncontrollable situation.”

A replica police car was placed on a loyalist ‘Eleventh Night’ bonfire in Moygashel last July.

There was more controversy when it emerged police removed racist signage in the village but ignored nearby sectarian banners glorifying the UVF and Somerville.

A spokesman for the PSNI said: “Police in Mid Ulster are happy to discuss any issues that local communities may have around policing and would seek to address those issues wherever possible.”

Another Facebook page, Loyalist Markethill, has also called on unionist parties and the PUL (Protestant Unionist Loyalist) “community groups etc to withdraw support for the PSNI ASAP”.

Loyalist social media sites are circulating a race-linked posterLoyalist social media sites are circulating a race-linked poster

Both pages also carry a message including a picture of a sign with the words “it is not racist to protect your own community”.

The image was originally posted to the Loyalist East Armagh City Facebook page to promote an “anti-illegal immigration rally” in the city Thursday.