Belfast police refuse to help dismantle loyalist bonfire on site containing asbestos | Northern Ireland
By: Rory Carroll Ireland correspondent | Published: 2025-07-10 18:12:00 | Source: www.theguardian.com
Police have refused a Belfast city council request to help dismantle a controversial loyalist bonfire that is believed to pose risks to public health and to energy supplies.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said on Thursday that letting the bonfire go ahead was less risky than trying to stop it – a decision that Sinn Féin said would be giving in to mob rule.
The towering pyre on Meridi Street off Donegall Road – one of approximately 300 bonfires that are to be lit on Thursday and Friday in loyalist commemorations – is on a site that contains asbestos and is close to an electricity substation that powers two hospitals
On Wednesday a city council committee voted to send contractors to dismantle the bonfire and asked police to help, creating a dilemma for police because…
