POLICE have been urged to intervene after a replica of a mosque was placed on top of a loyalist bonfire pyre in Co Tyrone.

The model was visible on top of the pyre in Moygashel today.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said one man has been arrested.

The Moygashel Bonfire Association claimed the effigy was an act of “political protest” against “uncontrolled illegal mass immigration.”

Signs saying “Secure our borders” and “End the threat of radical Islam” have also been placed on the pyre, which is made up of pallets and is due to be set alight on Friday night.

Amnesty International described it as a “vile display” and a “blatant attempt to stir up anti-Muslim hatred and intimidate local families.”

The same bonfire site has attracted controversy in previous years.

Last year there was condemnation after effigies of refugees in a boat were burned on the Moygashel fire.

Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland director Patrick Corrigan said: “This vile display is a blatant attempt to stir up anti-Muslim hatred and intimidate local families.

“It must be met with a decisive response by the police.

“The placing of an effigy of a mosque on top of a bonfire amounts to incitement to hatred directed at real people who live, work and raise families in Northern Ireland.

“It is a crime under Northern Ireland law to distribute materials that are intended or likely to stir up racial or religious hatred or arouse fear.

“The police must investigate this as a potential crime, identify and hold to account those responsible, and ensure this material is swiftly removed before it can be used to incite further hatred and violence.”

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Police are aware of the item placed on top of the bonfire in Moygashel.

“A 56-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of contravention of Article 9 of the Public Order (NI) Order 1987.

“He remains in custody at this time.”

Fermanagh and South Tyrone Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew described the display on the bonfire as “deplorable.”

He said: “The signage and effigy on the Moygashel bonfire is a clear hate crime.

“This is fuelled by hate and those that seek to bring division to our communities.

“There is no place in our society for racism, and it is the responsibility of all political representatives and community leaders to stand against it.

“The PSNI must investigate this as a matter of urgency to remove this disgraceful display.”

Alliance Party councillor Eddie Roofe described the bonfire as “hateful and deeply offensive.”

He said: “People should be free to live without fear of themselves or their families being targeted or subjected to discrimination.

“It is unacceptable that year after year, we continue to witness these hateful and deeply offensive displays.”

SDLP councillor Carl Whyte described the display on the bonfire as “absolutely disgusting.”

Eleventh night bonfires will be lit across Northern Ireland on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings ahead of the Orange Order’s July 12 parades on Monday.

While most of the bonfires pass off without incident, several have become the focus of contention due to the placing of Irish flags, effigies and election posters on the structures before they are ignited.

Last month in Moygashel, police removed a banner from a children’s playpark, saying it was being treated as a hate crime.