Can the Chief Constable confirm if there have been any reports of hate crime, related to the burning of flags, images or sectarian messages, at 11th July bonfire sites and if any of these reports are to be progressed with a view to prosecution?
The Police Service of Northern Ireland received 12 reports of hate incidents/crimes in respect of material placed on bonfires which is less than in previous years. The reports included burning of election posters, tricolours, banners and an effigy. Two hate crime investigations have commenced into the burning of election posters and are awaiting statements from the elected members in order to progress files through to prosecution
John Blair - Alliance