The theft and destruction of materials on a nationalist bonfire in Derry are being treated as a hate crime, police have said.
The bonfire in Derry’s Meenan Square area displayed images of the Queen, a PSNI Land Rover as well as flags and wreaths. A large crowd gathered to watch the bonfire being lit on Monday night.
Calls have been made for the actions to be “universally rejected”, with the incident being branded as a “outrageous and offensive display of hate”.
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Derry City and Strabane Superintendent Willy Calderwood said: “We've received a number of reports in relation to material placed on a bonfire in Meenan Square in the Bogside area of Derry/Londonderry.
“These reports are being treated as hate crimes and we are seeking to identify those responsible. Potential offences include the theft and destruction of political material, flags, banners, hate slogans and poppy wreaths.
"As part of our enquiries, we have gathered and secured evidence of potential offending and we will engage with the Public Prosecution Service who will ultimately have responsibility for decisions in relation to prosecution.
“The vast majority of people celebrate their culture peacefully and lawfully, and do not want cultural celebrations to be undermined by anti-social behaviour, criminal activity or hate directed towards others.
“I’m appealing for anyone with any further information, but specifically information on those who may have been responsible for the potential offences to provide it to us to bring those responsible to justice."
Police said anyone with any information should contact their local neighbourhood policing team on 101 or alternatively, Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Meanwhile, SDLP councillor John Boyle said the display on the bonfire in the Bogside did not represent the local community. He said: “The placing of these images and flags on the bonfire in Derry is disgraceful and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.
“Those behind this bonfire do not speak for the people of the Bogside who want to live in peace with their neighbours.”
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