A replica mosque has been placed atop a Co Tyrone bonfire mere hours after those behind the build complained of a heavy and “unprecedented” police presence in the area.
An “unveiling” of the model building was performed on Thursday evening at the site of Moygashel bonfire whereby a blue tarp cloaked the structure before being pulled away by a rope to reveal what lay hidden beneath.
The mosque replica displays green up-lighting and Arabic lettering which translates to “Islamic Fascism”. It terms of scale, the monument seems to rise to almost a third of the overall bonfire’s height.
Posters reading “Secure our borders” and “End the threat of radical Islam” have also been displayed on the pyre.
It is understood a police helicopter circled the area last night as a result of the reveal.
UUP representative, Ian Irwin said: “Following complaints and reports about the noise from the police helicopter in Moygashel. I contacted the duty sergeant to raise residents’ concerns.
“I was advised that the helicopter is operating in the interests of public safety. I also highlighted the impact the prolonged noise is having on local families, particularly young children who are trying to get to sleep, as well as other residents being disturbed.
“I have asked that these concerns be taken into account wherever possible and will continue to raise issues affecting our community.”
The Moygashel bonfire attracted nationwide controversy last year when it placed an effigy of a boat of refugees on the top of the structure.
The incident – complete with a ‘Stop the Boats’ sign – was investigated as a “hate crime” by PSNI and several local representatives lambasted it as “vile, racist and deplorable”.
This year, the area has once again been a controversial talking point on the lead up to the July demonstrations for a banner that was repeatedly erected and removed outside a children’s playpark.
Related: Those behind Moygashel bonfire claim police are creating ‘powder keg situation’
The Moygashel Cultural Association (MCA) wrote to PSNI Deputy Chief Constable, Bobby Singleton outlining its concerns about how police have handled the banner.
The ‘unveiling’ of the model mosque
In the letter, the association says the banner arose from “widespread community concerns” about what it describes as a group “from the Islamic tradition” using a public space “frequented by children” for a “form of ritual” involving items it claims were “plainly offensive weapons” under public order legislation.
Complaining of increased police presence over the last 72 hours in the area, members of Moygashel Bonfire Association claimed police are maintaining a “non-stop, highly-disruptive patrol through the area’s quiet residential estates”.
The association also claim that officers have refused to engage with local representatives and that a focus seems to be directed towards the area where the bonfire has been built.
They added: “With community members warning that the people of Moygashel will not forget these actions, there are widespread fears that this heavy-handed presence will persist right up until bonfire night.”
Responding to the claims in Moygashel, a PSNI spokesperson said: “As we approach the Twelfth period and its associated events and public gatherings, local police are conducting high visibility patrolling in Moygashel, across Mid Ulster, and in other Districts, in order to ensure public safety for all of our communities.”
In contrast to the association’s claims that officers have been unwilling to engage, the spokesperson said: “Local police met this week with a political representative regarding Moygashel. We are always open to engaging directly with local communities and their representatives.”
Police say they are aware of the item placed on top of the bonfire in Moygashel.
A 56-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of contravention of Article 9 of the Public Order (NI) Order 1987.
He remains in custody at this time.
