Foster criticises fires and sectarian slogans

Northern Irish First Minister Arlene Foster has expressed regret at sectarian messages displayed on some loyalist bonfires.

Fewer Twelfth of July events took place across Northern Ireland this year amid coronavirus restrictions.

But there were significant crowds at several fires that did go ahead.

And in north Belfast there was a second night of sporadic disorder as police came under attack.

Police confirmed that bottles, masonry and petrol bombs were thrown at officers throughout Saturday evening in Queens Parade and New Lodge Road.

Ahead of the Eleventh Night fires, politicians and community leaders had urged people to avoid mass gatherings and stick to Covid-19 regulations that limit gatherings to no more than 30 people.

Crowds well in excess of that were witnessed at a number of fires were lit late on Saturday night.

Mrs Foster said she regretted that some people did not follow Orange Order advice to stay at home.

She also condemned the violence and criticised those who placed sectarian and offensive messages on the loyalist bonfires.

“They really need to take a look at themselves and ask themselves what sort of a Northern Ireland do they want to live in – do they want to live in a Northern Ireland where everyone is entitled to proudly celebrate their culture and identity, or do they want to live in a split Northern Ireland?” she told the BBC.

“I know certainly the one in which I want to live in, it’s one where we can all proudly celebrate but do so in a way that is not offensive and certainly not sectarian.”

Meanwhile Deputy First Minister Michelle O’neill condemned the bonfires.

“Sectarianism has absolutely no place in our society and must be rooted out,” she tweeted.

Weekend sectarian violence.