Five men arrested as part of probe into model of mosque on bonfire

A bonfire with a replica mosque, is built in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, ahead of events to mark the Twelfth July. File picture: Jonathan McCambridge/PA

Five men have been arrested by police investigating the placing of a model of a mosque on a loyalist bonfire in Tyrone last month.

Police probing the “hate display” at the bonfire in Moygashel in July said they arrested three men on Tuesday morning and two in the afternoon.

Mid Ulster District Commander Superintendent Peter Stevenson said they were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Public Order Act.

A PSNI statement said: “Three men aged 27, 38, and 51 were arrested this morning as part of the proactive policing operation.

“Additionally, two men aged 74 and 58 were also arrested this afternoon in connection with the same investigation.

“All five men remain in custody at this time as the investigation into the placing of the offensive materials onto the bonfire continues.” 

One man was previously arrested in the same investigation in July, and has appeared in court.