Bonfire material being stored in Derry's Bogside has been removed in an early morning police operation.
Hundreds of wooden pallets being kept at Meenan Square for next Monday night’s August 15th bonfire were taken away.
Bonfire material was also removed in the Creggan Heights area last night.
The police action has been condemned by Independent Councillor Gary Donnelly.
Speaking at the scene, he said: “I got a phone call shortly after eight and when I came here there was a large number of PSNI officers, members of the Tactical Support Group - heavily harmed, some carrying rifles - had formed a cordon round where the wood was being stored.
“As I attempted to speak to workers who were removing the items I was told go away or I would be arrested for breach of the peace.
“When I eventually got to speak to one of the workmen, he told me he was working on behalf of the owner and the PSNI immediately said this operation was happening on behalf of Derry City and Strabane District Council.
“I was told there has been one young person arrested and assaulted and that an adult was also assaulted by the PSNI.
“The young people, in fairness, last year worked closely with the Fire Brigade, the Housing Executive and the Council and they removed the bonfire from this site due to the concerns the Fire Brigade had.
“I personally saw them hand over hundreds of tyres and, in fact, the Housing Executive provided the skip that took them away - so they worked with some of the statutory agencies.
“Now, you contrast that and the reaction here this morning with what is happening hundreds of yards away in The Fountain where hundreds of tyres were stored in openly in a school playground.
“There was no reaction like the one we have had here this morning or a similar operation in Creggan Heights last night..
“The residents here are disgusted.
Cllr Donnelly concluded: “Whilst they came into this community this morning and drove off, they have left a lot of anger and frustration, not only among the young people, but the among the residents who are not necessarily pro-bonfire.”
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