The local MP along with the party MLAs and Councillors discussed the deliberate lighting of the bonfire in Edgarstown last night and the attempt to raise tensions in the area in the lead up to the 12th celebrations.

In a joint statement after the meeting the DUP representatives said:

“This was a useful engagement with the PSNI concerning the incident in Portadown. It allowed us the opportunity to press home the need for an immediate and robust investigation into this provocative incident in Edgarstown. 

The PSNI are taking this incident seriously and assured us that every effort is being made to bring those responsible to justice with leads currently being investigated.  We would appeal for the community to stay calm, give the police time to conduct their investigation and engage fully in the process. We encourage anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to bring that information forward to assist the PSNI with their enquiries.

As we approach the Twelfth celebrations, we are all conscious that there are those within our society who wish to attack and denigrate our culture. In doing so they only display their own intolerance and bigotry. The best response to such provocation is to rise above it, and we know the community in Edgarstown will do just that.”