The PSNI launched an operation to remove a replica mosque from a bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, but the pyre was set alight early before officers could secure the site.

The bonfire, built for the Eleventh Night celebrations ahead of the Twelfth of July parades, had been scheduled for lighting on Friday evening. On Thursday night, however, the Moygashel Bonfire Association posted on social media that contractors were moving in to remove the structure and the decision was taken to light it immediately.

Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett confirmed that police were at an advanced stage of a proactive operation to remove the hate display when the fire was started. He said a 56-year-old man has been charged with incitement to hatred and is due before Dungannon Magistrates' Court. The investigation into the hate-motivated crime continues.

The bonfire had drawn widespread condemnation after the model mosque and banners reading 'Secure our borders' and 'End the threat of radical Islam' were placed on it. Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows called for the immediate removal of the display, saying it was wrong to place any place of worship on a bonfire. Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew described it as deplorable and a clear hate crime. Alliance councillor Eddie Roofe said it was utterly abhorrent.

Catholic Archbishop Eamon Martin and Church of Ireland Archbishop John McDowell said the targeting of the Muslim community through crude symbols was grossly offensive and undermined respect and compassion. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn called it a sickening and cowardly act of intimidation.

The Moygashel Bonfire Association defended the display as a political protest against ideology and government policy, saying it did not target individuals and was protected by freedom of expression.

The bonfire site in Moygashel has drawn controversy before. Last year effigies of migrants in a boat were burned on the fire. Hundreds of bonfires are lit across Northern Ireland in the days leading up to July 12, and while most pass without serious incident, some attract criticism over the use of flags, effigies and other contentious material.