Police launch investigation after bonfire prematurely burned at Irish Street

The PSNI in Derry have launched an investigation after a bonfire was set alight at Dennet Gardens in the Irish Street estate in the Waterside.

Police say they received a report of the incident at around 5.20am on Monday morning, July 23, that material that had been stockpiled for a bonfire had been purposely set on fire.

However, the Derry News understands that the incident was not sectarian in nature and was the result of a spate of anti-social behaviour in the wider district in the hours leading up to the incident.

PSNI Chief Inspector Johnny Hunter said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are working to establish a motive for the incident.  We would like to hear from anyone who has information about this incident and are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any persons in the vicinity of Dennet Gardens or Irish Street area early this morning to please contact officers in Strand Road on 101, quoting reference number 288 23/07/19.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and subsequently extinguished the fire.