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The Times of India
The Times of India
World
TOI World Desk

Belfast man dies after fall from Eleventh Night bonfire pyre; police launch probe

A man in his 40s has died after falling from an Eleventh Night bonfire pyre in east Belfast, prompting a police investigation.

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The incident occurred on the Braniel estate on Friday night, and the victim, identified as Warren Lyttle, succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Saturday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said.

Police said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal fall, while the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland has also been informed.

In a joint statement, the Braniel Bonfire Committee, Braniel Loyal Flute Band and Braniel Community Group expressed condolences to Lyttle's family and friends.

Following discussions with his family, organisers said the bonfire would go ahead as planned, with a minute's silence to be observed in his memory before it was lit.

The tragedy comes during Northern Ireland's annual Eleventh Night bonfire events, held ahead of the Orange Order's July 12 parades commemorating the 1690 Battle of the Boyne.

While the celebrations are largely peaceful, some bonfires have drawn controversy in recent days, including one in County Tyrone that featured a replica of a mosque and led to a criminal charge for alleged incitement to hatred.

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