Contentious migrant effigies at the centre of a growing racism row in Belfast have been set ablaze, after police declined to help Belfast City Council remove material from the bonfire site.

A council committee had voted on Wednesday to send contractors to dismantle the towering structure on Meridi Street, just off the Donegall Road. But the controversial decision has now been met with pushback, including from the police who have opted not to assist in the operation.

Belfast DUP councillors have triggered a ‘call-in’ procedure in response to the move, stalling the council’s plan to clear the site.

The dispute follows growing concerns over the presence of asbestos near the bonfire and warnings it could affect the power supply to both the Royal and City Hospitals if left unchecked.

Local sources say it is possible the bonfire will be lit in a matter of hours, a move which would prove to be highly contentious.

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