POLICE have evacuated a number of homes in Derry overnight during a security alert linked to a controversial bonfire.
It is understood the alert began after a suspect device was thrown at the Lecky Road flyover, close to the site of the nationalist bonfire.
The structure reached 20ft (6m) in height.
It partially blocked the road leading to complains from local residents of disruption to traffic.
Union flags and Sinn Féin election posters were burned on the fire.
A last-minute attempt to move the structure from the middle of the road failed on Monday night.
Bonfires are traditionally set alight on 15 August in some nationalist areas of Derry to mark the Catholic feast day of the Assumption.
The date commemorates the Virgin Mary’s death and assumption into heaven.
However, nationalist and republican politicians have criticised the practice, saying it causes disruption to local residents.
SDLP councillor John Boyl said “We need to find different ways of celebrating culture.”
“If the police or any other statutory agency had attempted to remove the bonfire we may well actually have been looking at something a hell of a lot worse than we’re looking at currently.”
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