Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has warned that action will be taken against anyone caught displaying flags that are likely to incite sectarian violence.

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has warned that action will be taken against anyone caught displaying flags that are likely to incite sectarian violence.

Mr MacAskill said it was right that police should act if any banners or flags deemed "inflammatory" were put on public display in residential areas.

He made the comments days after a council worker was threatened by residents in Bridgeton after attempting to remove Union and Ulster flags erected illegally along Dalmarnock Road to coincide with the Orange Order march.

Although the flying of Union or Ulster flags is not banned, it is illegal to attach them to council property without obtaining prior permission.

Flags glorifying terrorist groups the Ulster Defence Association and the Ulster Volunteer Force were also evident.

Mr McAskill said: "It is obviously a matter for the police, but it is my experience that they would take the appropriate action. The Red Hand of Ulster is the national flag of Northern Ireland but the displaying of paramilitary propaganda such as UDA material is indefensible.

"In the same way, it is acceptable to fly the tricolour at Parkhead but it would not be appropriate to display Continuity IRA material.

"It is the year of the homecoming and we should be celebrating our rich Scottish- Irish heritage.

"However this does not extend to triumphalism or the celebration of terrorist organisations.

"Anyone, whether they are a council worker, bus driver, or caring for the sick, has the right to be able to do their job without fear of intimation or violence."

Strathclyde Police had to be called to accompany council staff to remove the flags, although the items appeared to have been returned to lamp posts yesterday.

A council spokesman said items displayed illegally were removed regularly by staff but in many cases were returned almost immediately to council property.