'Effigy' bonfire being investigated as hate crime is lit

A bonfire in County Tyrone, with model of a small boat with several figures inside has been lit.

The model of a small boat with several figures inside on top of a banner is being investigated as a hate incident by police and received widespread condemnation from politicians and church leaders.

The bonfire, in Moygashel, was lit on Thursday night.

Police said they "have received a number of reports regarding the bonfire in Moygashel and the material that has been placed upon it. Police are investigating this hate incident."

The PSNI statement added: "Police are here to help those who are or who feel vulnerable, to keep people safe.

"We do this by working with local communities, partners, elected representatives and other stakeholders to deliver local solutions to local problems, building confidence in policing and supporting a safe environment for people to live, work, visit and invest in Northern Ireland, but we can only do so within the legislative framework that exists."

Earlier, Church of Ireland Archbishop John McDowell said it was "racist, threatening and offensive... it certainly has nothing whatsoever to do with Christianity or with Protestant culture and is in fact inhuman and deeply sub-Christian."

Bonfires are lit annually in some unionist areas across Northern Ireland in July to usher in the Twelfth of July, the main date in the parading season.

The majority are lit on the Eleventh night.

The Twelfth commemorates the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 when the Protestant King William III defeated Catholic King James II.

"I hope that the many people from other countries, who live in that area, and who contribute so much to the economy and to the diversity of Dungannon, can be reassured that it does not in any way represent the feeling of the vast majority of their neighbours," added the archbishop.

Dr David Clements, senior Methodist minister, has told BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme that the effigy should be removed from the top of a bonfire in County Tyrone before it set alight.

Moygashel Bonfire Committee has said that the bonfire "topper" should not be seen as "racist, threatening or offensive" and it is "expressing our disgust at the ongoing crisis that is illegal immigration".

In a general statement about this weekend's bonfires and parades, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he wanted to "speak directly to communities about the importance of ensuring these events are safe, respectful, and inclusive for everyone".

He said the celebrations were a "valued part of Northern Ireland's local history and culture, and I recognise the deep sense of identity these events represent for many people".

"It is vital that in marking these events, we do so in a way that respects the backgrounds and cultures of everyone who share these neighbourhoods. Mutual respect is the foundation of strong, safe communities.

"There is no place for hate or intimidation—only space for celebration that welcomes and celebrates not divides."

He said officers would be on the ground over the weekend at events across Northern Ireland to "ensure the "safety and wellbeing of everyone".