Investigations into 57 potential offences at bonfires over the Twelfth are ongoing, the PSNI confirmed.
There was widespread condemnation over the burning of effigies of political leaders, flags and election posters on a number of bonfires over the July 12 period.
Last month, the grand secretary of the Orange Order Rev Mervyn Gibson said the burning of posters and effigies of people on Eleventh night bonfires should be treated as a hate crime.
READ MORE: Burning of effigies on bonfires should be hate crime, says Orange Order chief
On Wednesday, Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton confirmed a total of 57 separate reports of potential offences at bonfires on July 11 and 12 had been reported.
He said officers had gathered and secured evidence of potential offending, appointed investigators, commenced enquiries for each of these incidents.
ACC Singleton said: "To date we have received a total of 57 separate reports of potential offences at Bonfires over the 11th & 12th of July period. Potential offences include the theft and destruction of political material, flags, hate slogans and effigies.
"We have already gathered and secured evidence of potential offending, appointed investigators, commenced enquiries for each of these incidents and engaged 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 the police to bring those responsible to justice.
"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.”
READ NEXT:
- Bonfire removed near Belfast special school due to 'health and safety', education body says
- The 'staggering' cost to the public of cleaning up after bonfires in Northern Ireland
- Public consultation to be held on future of divisive bonfire site at North Belfast interface
- Belfast council risks legal liability for bonfires on its land, internal report warns
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
