Londonderry: Police treat bonfire material as hate crimes

Speaking to BBC News NI, Mr Middleton said efforts needed to be made to move away from burning flags and emblems.

“It happens on all sides,” he said.

“The type of bonfires that burn emblems or flags and try and taunt the other side of the community – that doesn’t further anybody’s culture and certainly isn’t something that should be celebrated.

“We need to get away from the days where the burning of flags and emblems is acceptable.”

Mr Delargy said the burning of contentious material was “in stark contrast to the positive work that is being done in the community to showcase everything that is good about Derry and its people”.

“Once again, we have seen the burning of flags on bonfires – this is unacceptable, disrespectful and there is no place for these displays anywhere in our society,” he said.

He said hundreds of people had attended “positive community events” across the city in recent days including the Féile Derry community festival.

“That is the image of the Bogside that should be projected around the world, because we have much to celebrate, and to build on in the future,” he said.