Eleventh night: bonfires lit across Northern Ireland

Hundreds of bonfires marking the traditional Eleventh night have been lit throughout Northern Ireland.

However, there was controversy earlier when posters of politicians including First Minister Michelle O'Neill and South Belfast MP Claire Hanna (SDLP) appeared on several pyres including one in the Donegall Road area of Belfast alongside sectarian threats.

In addition, Irish Tricolours and Palestinian flags were also attached to the structures.

On another bonfire in Londonderry, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood's name was clearly visible on a large piece of cardboard - with an effigy close by.

The party's East Derry MLA, Cara Hunter, branded the action "despicable".

In addition, police said they were treating material placed on a bonfire in Rathcoole area of Newtownabbey, as a hate crime.

A spokesman added: "We will continue to engage with partners and those who have influence in the local community in order to prevent the commission of offences and keep people safe."

It is understood around 300 bonfires were lit with tens of thousands of spectators attending.

A major fire service operation was under way across the night and into the early hours - with appliances at a number of the bigger structures.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said it dealt with more than 100 emergency 999 calls since 6pm on Thursday evening.

Brian Stanfield, Assistant Chief Fire and Rescue Officer said: "It has been a relatively quiet 11th night.

"Between 6pm and 2am, we received 109 emergency 999 calls.

"This resulted in our firefighters attending 78 operational incidents, 37 of which were bonfire related.

"During this period, the number of emergency calls received was down 25% when compared to 2023.

"Peak activity was between 10pm and 1am and normal emergency response across Northern Ireland was maintained."

Meanwhile, later today, thousands of Orange Order members will parade at 18 demonstrations across Northern Ireland for the traditional Twelfth celebrations.

The biggest spectator attendance - around 40,000 - is expected to be in Killylea in Co Armagh.

Orange Order members will be accompanied by nearly 600 bands.