Belfast police declare major incident over controversial loyalist bonfire

• Contractors are on standby to remove a loyalist bonfire in south Belfast, which has sparked concern due to its proximity to an electricity substation and hospitals.
• The bonfire, located on Meridi Street, is set to be lit on 11 July ahead of annual Orange Order parades.
• Concerns include potential damage to the electricity substation, which powers two major Belfast hospitals, and the presence of asbestos within the bonfire materials.
• Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee voted for the bonfire's removal, with the Police Service of Northern Ireland declaring it a "major incident" and establishing a Tactical Coordination Group.
• Sinn Fein MLA Pat Sheehan criticised unionist leadership for not calling for its removal, while crowds gathered to guard the bonfire, blocking access points.

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Contractor ‘on standby’ to remove controversial Belfast bonfire