Police Investigate Reports of Loud Bangs at Bonfire in Bogside

By Rebecca Black (PA)

Police are investigating a series of loud bangs which were heard at a nationalist bonfire in Derry/Londonderry.

Inquiries are under way to establish whether shots were fired during the incident in the Bogside around 11.20pm on Monday.

The placing of items on the pyre, including political material, flags and poppy wreaths, is also being investigated as a hate crime.

Superintendent Willy Calderwood said police received a number of reports around the material placed on the Bogside bonfire.

“These reports are being treated as hate crimes and we are seeking to identify those responsible,” he said.

“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.

Bonfires are traditionally lit in nationalist areas of Londonderry on August 15.

The fires are associated with the August anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles, and also coincide with the Catholic Feast of the Assumption.

Republican and loyalist bonfires continue to be a source of controversy in Northern Ireland.

Bonfire builders from both communities have provoked anger in the past by burning symbols associated with the other’s culture.

No major pyres were lit in Belfast last week to mark the anniversary of the introduction of internment on August 9 1971.

This follows efforts which have been made over several years, including a large music concert as part of Feile An Phobail, to divert young people from bonfires.

People gathered at the burning of a bonfire to mark the Catholic Feast of the Assumption in the Bogside area of Derry/Londonderry (Photo by PA)