The replica crimson flag, flown to commemorate the 1689 Siege of Derry, was taken from St Columb’s Cathedral ahead of the annual bonfire in the Bogside, which was lit on Friday evening. Independent councillor Gary Donnelly said attempts to have the Apprentice Boys’ flag returned failed, and he believes it was destroyed in the fire.

Apprentice Boys governor William Walker expressed his dismay, stating it was “hard to believe that anyone would enter the grounds of a church to steal anything.” Donnelly told BBC Radio Foyle: “Unfortunately, it is my firm belief it was burned. It has been destroyed, and I believe that is unfortunate.”

Police confirmed they are investigating the placement of materials, including flags and wreaths, on bonfires as potential sectarian hate crimes or incidents. Officers also reported that bottles were thrown at them in Bishop Street and on the city walls, though no injuries or arrests occurred.

DUP MLA Gary Middleton described the flag as symbolically significant to the unionist community, flown twice annually to mark the Relief of Derry in August and the shutting of the city gates in December. “To go into a church premises and steal is completely unacceptable. To hear it has been burnt is deeply upsetting for many people across our communities,” he said.

Donnelly noted that while some stolen items had been returned following mediation, the attempt to save the crimson flag came too late. He suggested it could have been rescued with “reciprocal gestures.” In contrast, a US flag stolen from Foyle College in July was reportedly saved and secured, with arrangements underway for its return.

The bonfires, in both the Bogside and Creggan, drew criticism from local leaders, including Catholic Bishop Donal McKeown and First Minister Michelle O’Neill, who condemned the use of unregulated fires and the inclusion of inflammatory symbols or names on them. These August bonfires are traditionally held in some nationalist areas to mark the Feast of the Assumption or to recall the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles.