Moygashel LIVE: 'Migrant boat' bonfire branded 'inhumane' set alight as hate incident probed

The loyalist bonfire - topped with an effigy of a migrant boat - has caused controversy in Moygashel, County Tyrone, and now Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is investigating a hate incident

A controversial bonfire topped with an effigy of a migrant boat has been lit tonight.

Police are investigating a hate incident in relation to the towering pyre, which has also been festooned with anti-immigration placards including one sign reading "stop the boats". An Irish tricolour flag was also placed on top of the bonfire, which was set alight late on Thursday.

The structure in Moygashel, County Tyrone was described as "inhuman and deeply sub-Christian" by John McDowell, the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.

And now Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have confirmed it is probing the pyre as they want to "help those who are or who feel vulnerable, [and] keep people safe."

For live updates on the situation in Moygashel, follow our live blog below...

00:25KEY EVENT

Police confirm they are investigating a hate incident

Police have confirmed they received reports in relation to the pyre and were investigating the display as a "hate incident".

"The PSNI has received a number of reports regarding the bonfire in Moygashel and the material that has been placed upon it,” said a spokesperson.

"Police are investigating this hate incident. Police are here to help those who are or who feel vulnerable, to keep people safe.

"We do this by working with local communities, partners, elected representatives and other stakeholders to deliver local solutions to local problems, building confidence in policing and supporting a safe environment for people to live, work, visit and invest in Northern Ireland, but we can only do so within the legislative framework that exists.”

00:16KEY EVENT

'Migrant boat' bonfire in Moygashel set alight

The controversial bonfire topped with an effigy of a migrant boat in Moygashel, County Tyrone has been lit tonight.

Anti-immigration placards were placed on the pyre with one sign reading "stop the boats" while another reads “veterans before refugees".

Bands held a parade through the town prior to the bonfire being lit.