Loyalist bonfire with mosque replica on top is set alight before bid to remove display

A loyalist bonfire, which was criticised for having a mosque replica on top, has been set alight after police planned to take it down.

The smouldering remains of the bonfire were continuing to burn after organisers in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, lit it early on Friday, following an attempt by officers to remove the display.

It had originally been scheduled to be set ablaze on Friday night.

Signs saying "secure our borders" and "end the threat of radical Islam" were also placed on the pyre.

Political and religious leaders had criticised the placing of the mosque on the top.

A 56-year-old man is due to appear in court on Friday charged with incitement to hatred.

Shortly after midnight on Friday morning, the Moygashel Bonfire Association said they made a decision to "light it asap" after "confirmation of contractors moving in and removing the bonfire".

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had "commenced a significant and complex policing operation to remove a hate display from the Moygashel bonfire".

It said the operation was at an "advanced stage when the bonfire was lit".

A spokesperson said: "Had the bonfire not been lit, police would have secured the site and removed the offending material and seized it as evidence.

"The Police Service of Northern Ireland's investigation into this hate motivated crime is ongoing."

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Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett said: "Hate crime has no place in our society and will not be tolerated.

"That is why we commenced a proactive policing operation to take action and remove the hate display from Moygashel Bonfire.

"Before police arrival, the bonfire was set alight a day in advance to prevent removal of the criminal material.

"Where there is evidence that offences have been committed, we will take robust action."

The man charged with incitement to hatred is due to appear before Dungannon Magistrates' Court on Friday.

The bonfire site in Moygashel has attracted controversy in previous years.

Last year, there was condemnation after effigies of migrants in a boat were burned on the Moygashel fire.

Eleventh night bonfires will be lit across Northern Ireland on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings ahead of the Orange Order's July 12 parades on Monday.

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