Police investigate almost 60 potential offences at loyalist bonfires

There was widespread condemnation after photographs emerged of hanging effigies of Sinn Féin president and vice-president Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill.

A young man carries a Northern Ireland flag in silhouette past the burning Craigyhill loyalist bonfire in Larne, Co Antrim (Liam McBurney/PA)

Police are probing almost 60 potential offences reported as having taken place at loyalist bonfires last month.

These reports include allegations of theft and destruction of political material, flags, hate slogans and effigies.