Tension is high as police have surrounded a controversial bonfire in North Belfast .
A number of police Land Rovers have been pictured surrounding the controversial bonfire in the New Lodge area .
It is understood two young men are on the bonfire and are refusing to come down.
Police said they are in attendance at the bonfire in the Queens Parade area to support contractors who have been tasked by the landowner to remove a bonfire from the road.
A PSNI spokeswoman said: "We are endeavouring to support the contractors to complete this task in a timely manner, with minimum disruption to the community.
"We would ask for the community’s patience and support as the area is made safe.
"We will not be making any further comment at this time as this is an ongoing operation."
The pyre is due to be lit tonight to mark the anniversary of the introduction of internment on August 9, 1971.
Tensions have mounted in the area over a number of weeks, with a growing impact on the family centre as crowds have congregated at the bonfire.
Sinister graffiti stating “Our wood goes this centre goes.” was daubed on the centre earlier this week. Contractors have also been threatened through graffiti.
Vandalism and litter has also impacted the facility.
Locals report groups of up to 30 people gathering at the site from 9am and staying throughout the day playing music, working on the bonfire and even using a drill to secure piles of wood.
Complaints of anti-social activity have mounted over recent weeks with young people pictured powering a games console from a lamppost while standing guard at the site. The PSNI have charged three 14-year-old boys in relation to the recent disorder and officers continue to review CCTV footage from the area.
The Department for Infrastructure, which owns the land on which the bonfire has been built, has been contacted.
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