Northern Ireland

Picture of Martin McGuinness placed on loyalist bonfire

A picture of the late Martin McGuiness was placed on a loyalist bonfire in Derry last night in a move which was described as `sickening'
A picture of the late Martin McGuiness was placed on a loyalist bonfire in Derry last night in a move which was described as `sickening' A picture of the late Martin McGuiness was placed on a loyalist bonfire in Derry last night in a move which was described as `sickening'

A picture of the late Martin McGuinness was placed on a loyalist bonfire in Derry last night in a move which was described as "sickening".

A photo of the late deputy first minister appeared on a pyre in the loyalist Tullyally estate.

Several Irish tricolours were also placed on the bonfire.

The bonfire has been erected ahead of today's annual Apprentice Boys' parade, which is one of the biggest parades held in Northern Ireland and marks the anniversary of the ending of the Siege of Derry.

It comes after several loyalist flags were placed on nationalist bonfires in Newry and Belfast on Thursday night.

In response to reports of the display, Mr McGuinness's son Fiachra tweeted: "Replace fear, hate and anger with love and you will be free."

Sinn Féin's Karen Mullan condemned the display, describing it as "sickening given that it’s a poster advertising a charity walk".

"This is the action of hate mongers intent on spreading bigotry and perpetuating sectarian divisions in our society," she said.

"This behaviour stands in stark contrast to the work that Martin McGuinness did to build reconciliation and reach out the hand of friendship to all communities.

"It is also grossly insulting to the McGuinness family who still mourn the loss of their loved one.

"I am calling on political unionism to show leadership by condemning this display of hate and demanding an end to such sickening and sectarian hate crimes."