THE families of a police officer and prison officer murdered by republicans have expressed shock that their names were burned on a bonfire in Derry's Bogside.
The names of murdered Stephen Carroll and Ronan Kerr and prison officers David Black and Adrian Ismay were placed on boards and burned on the bonfire on Wednesday night as well as poppy wreaths taken from Derry’s cenotaph.
Thousands of people watched the bonfire which was opposed by mainstream political leaders in the city.
While Wednesday’s bonfire was smaller than in previous years, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service still had to hose down a nearby derelict building to prevent it from spreading. At one stage, a number of people, including two girls, narrowly escaped injury when the top of the burning structure crashed onto Lecky Road.
Police have also confirmed that three petrol bombs were thrown at officers on Derry’s walls on Wednesday night. A 35-year-old man has been charged in connection with the petrol bomb attack.
One of the few bonfires still burned in Derry on August 15 - the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary - those behind it have opposed every attempt to stop the practice. This has included the development of a Féile festival which culminated with a massive pyrotechnic display at the Gasyard centre, also in Derry’s Bogside.
Kate Carroll, whose husband PSNI officer, Stephen was shot dead in 2009, condemned the incident.
"No-one can hurt Steve anymore which is the priority. I am absolutely shocked and disappointed that a city which hosted the City of Culture so eloquently, could allow the people to take such a backward step into the past," she said.
Kyle Black, whose prison-officer father, David was shot dead by dissident republicans in 2012, posted his disgust on Twitter.
"My dad, along with other brave men named, served their community with dignity and respect. This in complete contrast to those responsible for this. Absolutely sickened," he said.
Political leaders from all over Ireland also issued condemnation. Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney said he was appalled and saddened by such hatred.
Sinn Féin president, Mary Lou McDonald described the attack as “vile.”
"This is the work of people determined to maintain a divided Ireland. It is condemned by all of us who want a united Ireland," she said.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said all parties along with youth workers attempted to stop the bonfire.
"It’s sectarian and anti-social. Nothing more," he said.
Naomi Long, leader of the Alliance Party said it was “utterly disgusting” while Derry mayor, John Boyle said it did not reflect the people of the Bogside.
The bonfire was also condemned by Secretary of State, Karen Bradley, shadow secretary, Tony Lloyd. For the PSNI, assistant chief constable, Alan Todd said the naming of some of his “former colleagues” stuck in his throat.
Ulster Unionist and DUP representatives also condemned it.
The head of the Prison Service condemned it as "disgraceful".
Ronnie Armour, in a message to staff, said: "Using the names of our murdered friends and colleagues, and those of PSNI colleagues, in this way has caused great hurt and distress to their families, to the Prison Service, and the wider community."
