Latest: Sabotage of Eleventh bonfire in Maghera ‘an attempt to raise tensions’

“I’m saddened that some individuals in the Maghera area are continuing in their foolish attempts to raise tensions in the area ahead of the 12th July,” he said today.

“By waiting until the middle of the night, sneaking in and burning down the community bonfire in King William III Estate, these people have shown their utter hatred of the Unionist community’s culture and traditions.

“Their actions were both stupid and highly dangerous and could have easily resulted in damage to houses or worse someone being seriously injured or even losing their life.

“If those responsible think that raising tensions like this is in some way a victory then they are wrong. All this has achieved is to bring the community in King William III closer together and made it even stronger than before.

“I would urge anyone who had any information on the culprits to come forward to the PSNI.”