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Drone footage shows the flag being flown from a bonfire yards away from a paramilitary flag and racist slogans

A flag saying "Jesus Saves" has been flown alongside paramilitary flags and racist slogans at a bonfire in Carrickfergus.

The flag has been placed near the top of the bonfire in the Glenfield estate area of the Co Antrim town. A picture of a mosque has been placed a few metres below the Jesus flag and an anti-immigration slogan.

Graffiti on nearby boards includes racist and anti-Islamic slogans, such as "KAF," which allegedly stands for "kill all foreigners".

Jesus is famously known for his teachings of peace and loving one another.

The bonfire is the latest in Northern Ireland to feature anti-Islamic imagery after a bonfire in Moygashel put a replica mosque on top of a bonfire that was set on fire on Thursday, July 9.

A hate crime investigation into the Co Tyrone bonfire is ongoing.

Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett said: “Hate crime has no place in our society and will not be tolerated. That is why tonight we commenced a proactive policing operation to take action and remove the hate display from Moygashel Bonfire. Before police arrival the bonfire was set alight a day in advance to prevent removal of the criminal material.

“Where there is evidence that offences have been committed, we will take robust action.

“As part of our ongoing investigation, a 56-year-old man has been charged with incitement to hatred. He is due to appear before Dungannon Magistrates’ Court on Friday 10 July. As is normal procedure, all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”

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