Bloomfield bonfire removed overnight by contractors hired by Belfast City Council

A teenager has been arrested after contractors removed a bonfire in East Belfast overnight.

Belfast City Council hired contractors to remove the bonfire off Ravenscroft Avenue, which had been placed at the beginning of the Comber Greenway.

The police were in attendance while the work was being carried out and a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour.

Belfast Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Andy Freeburn said: “Belfast City Council engaged a contractor to remove material from a bonfire on their site at Bloomfield Walkway in East Belfast.

The bonfire on Bloomfield Walkway at the entrance to the Comber Greenway. It has since been removed by contractors (Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)

“Police were in attendance, at the request of the Council, to ensure that the contractors were not obstructed, to ensure their safety and the safety of the public as a whole. During the operation a 16-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour. He has since been released, pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service."

It is understood that elected members, council officials and the police had been engaging with the local community prior to the removal of the bonfire.

A Belfast City Council spokesperson said previously: "Belfast City Council’s approach to managing bonfires is led by Elected Members. A Member-led decision making process has been agreed to consider issues and make decisions on a site by site basis.

The bonfire on Bloomfield Walkway at the entrance to the Comber Greenway. It has since been removed by contractors (Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)

"We will continue to engage with Elected Members, statutory organisations and community representatives to minimise any potential negative impact of bonfires on local residents, businesses, customers and property."