POLICE officers were injured and two people arrested at a controversial bonfire in Derry’s Bogside.
There had been fears of serious violence following clashes on Monday night between nationalist youths building the bonfire and loyalist youths from the city’s Fountain. However, the August 15 Feast of the Assumption bonfire passed off with only minor disturbances.
Bottles and missiles were thrown during a brief clash between what appeared to be loyalist youths and those attending the bonfire on an embankment below Derry’s walls and overlooking the Bogside.
Crowds attended the bonfire which was originally planned for the area’s Lecky Road but was moved to the embankment following the intervention of the city’s Junior McDaid House.
Large crowds also attended a separate bonfire and fireworks display at the nearby Gasyard Centre which was organised as part of the Gasyard Féile.
Derry police chief, Gordon McCalmont said that while there had been minor disorder at the embankment bonfire, calm was quickly restored.
Superintendent McCalmont said: “Three police officers sustained minor injuries. Two people were arrested, one for public order related offences and the other for driving related offences.”
Mr McCalmont thanked community representatives for their cooperation and engagement in the days leading up to the bonfire.
“I believe that the disorder was kept to a minimum in large part because of the positive influence they have been able to bring to bear,” he said.
However, there was criticism of the flying of flags and emblems on the embankment bonfire. The Union flag, Northern Ireland flag, Israeli and US flags were flown on top of the structure while other flags, including a Parachute Regiment flag, were pinned to the sides.
Poppy remembrance wreaths were also burned on the bonfire along with a painting of a PNSI Land Rover.
In a post on Twitter, DUP assembly member, Gary Middleton described the burning of poppy wreaths as “a disgusting act of evil.” His comment was met with criticism over the burning of nationalist emblems as well as an effigy of former deputy first minister, the late Martin McGuinness on loyalist bonfires.
