Victoria Police have denied an Islamic State (IS) flag was unfurled over a Melbourne freeway on Wednesday, despite contrary reports by witnesses.

Police confirmed a flag was displayed on a Princes Freeway overpass in Melbourne’s west before sunrise.

Unconfirmed reports by witnesses said it carried the symbol of terrorist-group IS, or something similar.

However, police were quick to quash the suggestions.

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“Police were called to a bridge on the Princes Freeway in Laverton just after Point Cook Road, city bound, after reports of a banner on the bridge about 3am,” a police spokesman told Fairfax Media.

“VicRoads removed the banner. It was not an IS flag and did not contain a threat.”

The spokesman also said the flag had an English message on it, but would not reveal what.

According to News Corp, witnesses said two men wearing balaclavas placed the flag on the freeway at about 3am.

Islamic Council of Victoria secretary Kuranda Seyit told ABC radio host, Jon Faine, that the alleged incident was poor timing.

“It’s quite a terrible or disturbing display in poor taste. The timing of this exasperates the problem,” Mr Seyit said.

“A lot of people are feeling insecure and are worried about these atrocities being carried out in Australia.

“It’s definitely unacceptable behaviour and someone is trying to stir up the pot.”