Police attend reports of young people throwing items at people near east Belfast bonfire site

Damage has been reported to buildings in the area, which is in the vicinity of Belfast City Council-owned Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre.

Material has been gathered on a nearby green in preparation for the annual Eleventh Night bonfire.

"Police are currently in attendance at a report of anti-social behaviour in the Montgomery Road area of east Belfast this afternoon, Monday May 6,” said a PSNI spokesperson.

“We received a report at around 3.15pm that a number of young people were in the area, throwing items at people and buildings, causing damage. There have been no reports of any injuries at this stage.

"Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference 971 of 06/05/24.”

Last year, the site drew criticism after photographs emerged showing offensive images posted inside a hut used by bonfire builders.

The hut contained a flag depicting a man holding a rocket launcher, including the words “Clonduff Rocket Team”.

It is understood this is the name used by a gang of youths based around the nearby Clonduff estate.

The letters UVF were carved onto a makeshift table while a Swastika made from tape was stuck to the wooden frame.

Nearby the letters KAT, ‘Kill All Taigs’, were scrawled onto a sofa along with an obscene image.

The hut was later removed.