Police declare major incident following decision to remove loyalist bonfire in South Belfast

The PSNI's declared a major incident following Belfast City Council’s decision to remove material from a loyalist bonfire site in South Belfast.

The council's asked for police assistance, but the PSNI says no decision's been taken yet and that all of the risks associated with the council's request are being assessed.

The site between the Donegall Road and Westlink has attracted criticism over its proximity to asbestos, and an electricity substation which powers the Royal and City hospitals.

A PSNI statement last night said, “The Police Service of Northern Ireland have received a formal request for assistance from Belfast City Council in relation to the removal of material from a bonfire site at Meridi Street in south Belfast.”

“We have declared this as a major incident and a Tactical Coordination Group has been established this evening with multi-agency partners to ensure joint understanding and to comprehensively assess all of the risks associated with this request.”

“No decision has been taken at this stage and we continue to work with our partner agencies and community representatives on this matter.”

Crowds took to the street on the Donegall Road in South Belfast late on Wednesday night vowing to remain on site all night to defend the bonfire.

Some fireworks were set off and a smaller bonfire set alight, while a car was placed to block the entrance to the site on Meridi Street.

Meanwhile another bonfire's also attracted criticism ahead of the eleventh night.

Police inquiries are continuing after effigies of migrants in a boat were placed on top of the structure in Moygashel in County Tyrone.

A boat has been placed on top of the structure, with mannequins dressed in lifejackets, along with a sign that says "stop the boats".

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International's Northern Ireland director, described the bonfire as a "vile, dehumanising act that fuels hatred and racism".