POLICE are to investigate the placing of Poppies and Union Jack flags on a Derry bonfire at the weekend.
It is a criminal offence to display threatening, abusive or insulting material that could cause fear or hatred.
A number of bonfires were lit in nationalist areas of the city on Saturday night.
Foyle DUP MLA Gary Middleton claimed that a poppy wreath was placed on a bonfire in Creggan.
Another bonfire was lit close to Derry’s Walls overlooking the Bogside.
Local residents in the Fountain area have complained about it.
Fountain community worker Kyle Thompson has issued a statement about the bonfire who says the community was “let down” by those who should have protected him and local residents.
“Disgusting but not surprising that the republican hatefest facilitated so close to an interface, by so many statutory agencies, has resulted in sectarian attacks on our community.
“I had discussions with various statutory agencies prior to this bonfire taking place who believed that moving it to this location would be the lesser of two evils.
“I will be requesting to meet with each of them this week around the results of their actions or in many cases inactions.”
The PSNI say officers will be investigating the claims in relation to items being placed on the bonfires.
Tags: