OPP investigating 'racially-charged' sign posted near Caledonia demonstration

Provincial police are investigating a "racially-charged" sign posted near ongoing demonstrations in Caledonia.

In a series of tweets posted Tuesday afternoon, OPP say the message has been "incorrectly attributed" to the service by some on social media.

"There is no reason to believe that any member of the OPP was involved in this act of racism and discrimination," reads the police OPP tweet. "This act does not align with the OPP Vision, Mission or Values."

An OPP spokesperson confirmed the image in question is a cardboard sign fastened to a pylon and bearing a racist message, which appears to be written in black marker.

Images of the sign have shown up in several social media posts shared by demonstrators.

OPP officers remain on scene at several locations around Caledonia as Six Nations demonstrators continue to occupy the McKenzie Meadows housing development.

Police clashed with the demonstrators on August 5. They arrested several people while enforcing a court order and say they fired a rubber bullet after officers were pelted with rocks.

In response, demonstrators set up blockades across area roads, which remain in place. They also returned to the development within 24 hours and have remained there since, despite court injunctions directing them to tear down their tents and barricades and leave.

On Tuesday the OPP said it's continuing to respond to the demonstration in a "safe and peaceful manner."

"The OPP's objective is to work with all parties to ensure public and officer safety and to maintain orderly conduct and peace," read a tweet, adding the service is proud of how its members have acted to "defuse a tense situation."