DUP MP Gregory Campbell said this bonfire has a “recent history of provocative behaviour”.

“There has to be total condemnation of this and hopefully action taken within the community and by the police to try and bring those responsible to justice,” he said.

“Whatever symbols of hate on bonfires, whether they’re on the 11 July or 15 August, they’re wrong and they shouldn’t be done.

“The police and the politicians need to ensure that these actions are nipped in the bud because this will go on year on year until there is very serious injury or worse even death.”

Almost 500 pallets had been removed from underneath the Lecky Road flyover where they were being stored last week by the Department for Infrastructure with protection provided by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

There were later some minor disturbances which police suggested may be linked in part to the removal of the pallets.

A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said the “illegal storage” of the pallets under the flyover posed a “significant fire safety risk” as there were gas mains under the tarmac.

The Lecky Road was closed for a time following the initial removal of the materials, with police saying some items had been set on fire on the road.

It closed again later on Wednesday night when police said pallets and a mattress were set alight on the flyover, while a motorbike was also seen to be on fire. A petrol bomb had also been thrown at police officers in Bishop Street.

First Minister O’Neill said it was “right and proper” to remove the material.

Speaking on a visit to a Derry Féile on Wednesday, she welcomed the removal of the pallets.