Banners At Bogside Bonfire Make Threats Against Police And Public

An investigation has been launched into alleged "offensive and distasteful" banners at a bonfire in L'Derry.

According to reports, banners appeared at a bonfire on Meenan Square in the Bogside on Sunday, making threats to police officers and allegedly a member of the public.

It is understood that one of the banners made reference to murdered PSNI officer Ronan Kerr, who was killed by a booby-trap bomb placed on his car by dissident republicans in Omagh in 2011.

Condemning the "displays of hatred and sectarianism", Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan said: "The scenes witnessed at a bonfire which took place in the Bogside last night were disgraceful.

"These displays of sectarianism and hate have no place in our society and are not representative of the local community.

"This was in stark contrast to the many excellent community events held throughout the area organised by the Gasyard Féile and supported by community organisations which were widely supported.

"It is time these illegal bonfires which promote hatred come to an end once and for all."