There’s been widespread condemnation overnight as the names of murdered PSNI and prison officers were burnt on a bonfire in the Bogside in Londonderry.
Murdered Cookstown prison officer David Black’s name was among those. His son Kyle said he was ‘absolutely sickened.’ PSNI officers Ronan Kerr and Stephen Carroll and prison officer Adrian Ismay’s names were also placed on banners.
Poppy wreath, Union Jacks and a Donald Trump election poster were also burnt by republicans.
My dad, along with the other brave men named, served their community with dignity and respect. This in complete contrast to those responsible for this. Absolutely sickened. pic.twitter.com/zzos0D0IpA
— Kyle Black (@Kyleblack91) August 15, 2018
The incident has outraged both sides of the community.
Hundreds of people gathered at Meenan Square last night. But fire crews were sent to stop the flames spreading to nearby buildings.
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood wrote: Totally appalled to see flags, poppy wreaths and the names of murdered policemen on a bonfire in Derry. Reps from all parties and youth workers tried to stop it. This nonsense doesn’t represent the views of the people of Derry. It’s sectarian and anti social. Nothing more.
Totally appalled to see flags, poppy wreaths and the names of murdered policemen on a bonfire in Derry. Reps from all parties and youth workers tried to stop it. This nonsense doesn't represent the views of the people of Derry. It's sectarian and anti social. Nothing more.
— Colum Eastwood (@columeastwood) August 15, 2018
And Independent MLA Claire Sudgen described the incident as ‘vile.’
Vile. David Black, Stephen Carroll, Adrian Ismay & Ronan Kerr served all with respect & dignity. They were good men. The same cannot be said for the depraved thugs responsible for hate crimes in Derry tonight. Their perversion serves only themselves. https://t.co/c3cmrQHzeQ
— Claire Sugden (@ClaireSugden) August 15, 2018
“I am totally dismayed and disgusted at the appearance of the names of murdered police and prison officers along with poppy wreaths on a bonfire in the Bogside area. This isn’t cultural expression and is designed only to cause hurt and offence.” – Alderman Derek Hussey https://t.co/YJ79EOuPe0
— Ulster Unionist (@uuponline) August 15, 2018
Sickening to see the bonfire in Londonderry with not only flags and poppy wreaths but the names of murdered members of the security forces. Disgusting. Surely this bonfire needs removed as a clear hate crime.
— peter weir (@peterweirmla) August 15, 2018
Union Jacks and Ulster Banners burn in Bogside bonfire#NorthernIreland #Bogside #Derry pic.twitter.com/umKg2vD47j
— Ruptly (@Ruptly) August 16, 2018
Burning poppy wreaths. A disgusting act of evil. The PSNI and community leaders must step up and take action. https://t.co/cGCt3TL6f2
— Gary Middleton MLA (@Gary_Middleton) August 15, 2018
This is sick, evil and disgusting.
Stephen, Ronan, David and Adrian were people who served this community and were murdered whilst doing that. Im so sick to my stomach that some absolutely vile and evil scum see fit to do this. This is an affront to all victims and survivors https://t.co/jFqCmxDK4f
— Sorcha Eastwood (@SorchaEastwood) August 15, 2018
