Bonfire builders have called for “calm heads” after their half-built fire was set alight. Firefighters had to extinguish the blaze at the Edgarstown site, in Portadown, Co Armagh, after it was started at around midnight.
In a statement, the builders described the incident as a “sectarian attack” and blamed “politicians who spend the entire summer demonising and criticising us”.
They added: “Is it any wonder there are extremists who pick up on their hatred and act upon it? We appeal for calm heads, with efforts placed in re-building the fire from the ashes in defiance of those driven by hatred.
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“It does however raise questions about the intentions of Irish nationalists and their leadership, who seem content to up the ante and antagonise unionists in this way."
Sinn Féin described the incident as “reckless and irresponsible”, while the DUP said it was “an attempt to raise tensions”.
DUP Cllr Darryn Causby said: “Sometime around Midnight Edgarstown Bonfire was set alight by individuals who made their way from the Obins Street area. This is no doubt an attempt to raise tensions and shows the level of intolerance that exists in some quarters for Unionist/Loyalist traditions.
“I wholeheartedly condemn this attack not only because it’s an attempt to raise tension but because it put the community at risk. As we approach the bonfire season I appeal for calm and restraint in the face of blatant provocation. I have no doubt that the malicious burning of this fire will only ensure that there is a greater unity within the Unionist/Loyalist community. It is now time for all political leaders to condemn this act and appeal for calm.”
Sinn Féin councillor Paul Duffy said elected representatives and community leaders must work together to reduce tensions.
He added: “No one should take any action which puts lives and property at risk. There is a responsibility on all elected representatives and community leaders to do all in our power to reduce community tensions.
“The cause of the fire has yet to be established, however, if this was a deliberate attack it was reckless and irresponsible. There is an onus on all of us to ensure that the responses to incidents like these do not raise tensions or point the finger at whole communities which could in turn put others at risk.”
The police say they “received a report a bonfire was set alight in the Union Street area of Portadown in the early hours of Thursday, June 23rd”.
A spokesperson added: “It was reported at around 12.20 am that bonfire material in the area had been set alight. NIFRS attended and the fire was subsequently extinguished.
“The incident is currently being treated as arson and enquiries are ongoing. Police would appeal to anyone with any information to contact 101 quoting reference number 34 of 23/06/22. A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
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