POLICE are studying images in a bid to identify those responsible for a “sectarian bonfire” in Derry.
Poppy wreaths, flags and the names of murdered police and prison officers were put on the bonfire at Neenan Square in the Bogside yesterday.
The display has caused widespread outrage and condemnation from families of the murdered officers and also from local politicians.
The name of murdered prisoner officer David Black, shot dead on the M1 on November 2012 by dissident republicans, was put on the bonfire along with colleague Adrian Ismay and PSNI officers Stephen Carroll and Ronan Kerr.
Kyle Black, the son of Mr Black, said he was “absolutely sickened” that boards bearing the names were burned on the bonfire.
“My dad, along with the other brave men named, served their community with dignity and respect,” he tweeted.
“This in complete contrast to those responsible for this.”
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster’s Nolan Show Assistant Chief Mr Todd said that the PSNI had launched an investigation and had “good photographic images” of those involved in placing the offensive material on the bonfire.
‘Sectarian’ bonfire in Bogside lit around 11 pm on Wednesday night
ACC Todd told the Stephen Nolan Show: “I have to weigh up if it’s safe or reasonable to ask my police officers to climb a structure.
“These are the names of some of my former colleagues.
“That sticks in my throat.”
PSNI Chief Inspector Paul McCracken described the bonfire as “distasteful and offensive”.
“We take hate crime very seriously and actively investigate all incidents reported to us,” he added.
“Hate crime is wrong on all levels and the PSNI will do everything it can to ensure that everyone, from whatever background, can live free from prejudice, fear and discrimination.”
Fergal Leonard, group commander for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We arrived in the area around 23:00 BST after the bonfire was lit.
“We had four fire appliances there in total. We knew there were risks near the bonfire. We knew we had to protect lives and buildings.
“The bonfire was at one point 10 to 15 metres away from the nearest building. There was no damage done to any nearby property.”
An aerial ladder was also used as thousands of people watched on.
The bonfire was just a few hundred metres away from a smaller one that had no flags, emblems or messages.
The smaller structure was in the grounds of Gasyard Park and was part of a family and community carnival marking the end of a festival in the area.
Names of murdered PSNI officers and prison officers put on boards on Bogside bonfire
The Foyle MLA added that community workers had tried to stop the signs being added to the bigger bonfire.
“This nonsense doesn’t represent the views of the people of Derry,” he tweeted. “It’s sectarian and antisocial. Nothing more.”
Mayor of Derry John Boyle said the large bonfire was “certainly not reflective of the people of the Bogside”.
“That sort of activity isn’t wanted, isn’t needed and certainly isn’t welcome by the people in this city.”
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