News

Police investigate bonfire poppy wreath burning

POLICE are investigating claims that an effigy of a British soldier as well as a poppy wreath were burned on a nationalist bonfire in Derry.

The bonfire at Creggan was lit on Saturday evening to mark the Feast of the Assumption.

Police have confirmed they are investigating flags and other symbols placed on the bonfire.

The development comes after the Irish News revealed yesterday that police had sent a file to prosecutors over symbols burned on a loyalist bonfire in Antrim on July 11 last year.

The loyalist bonfire in the Ballycraigy estate attracted criticism after effigies of republican politicians and Irish tricolours with sectarian and racist slogans were displayed.

The case is believed to the first time a prosecution has been brought over offensive material on display at a bonfire. It is understood the case relates to a racist slur displayed on the pyre.

Derry DUP assembly member Gary Middleton said the burning of a poppy wreath on the nationalist bonfire was a cause of concern.

“I understand too well that there is offensive material put on all bonfires across Northern Ireland but at the same time, we feel that it cannot go unnoticed and it needs to be challenged."

However, independent councillor Gary Donnelly said any move to investigate only a nationalist bonfire in Derry would be seen as one-sided.

“There were a lot of meetings in the lead-up to the Bogside bonfire. The young people engaged with representatives of the fire service, the Housing Executive, the Environment Agency, Derry City and Strabane District Council, community leaders and independent and Sinn Féin councillors.

“They agreed to remove tyres and agreed a safer site for the bonfire. My worry would be if the police start bringing charges, the young people won’t engage again and all the good work done so far will be lost.

"If any charges are brought, I’ll certainly be happy to appear as a witness in court to outline the background,” Mr Donnelly, a leading member of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, said.