The daughter of a man who died after falling from an Eleventh Night bonfire in Belfast has paid a loving tribute. The incident occurred on Friday night at an Eleventh Night bonfire in the Braniel estate in the east of the city.
Tribute to Warren Lyttle
In a statement on social media, the man was named as Warren "AKA" Lyttle. He was taken to hospital on Friday but died from his injuries on Saturday.
A PSNI statement said: "Police received a report at 4.40pm today, Saturday July 11, that a man, aged in his 40s, had died in hospital following a fall at the site of a bonfire in east Belfast. Police are investigating the circumstances of what happened, and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has been informed."
Warren's daughter Lacey posted on Facebook on Saturday: "Well never did I think I'd have to write this so soon. Was with you yesterday. Rest easy daddy. Never used to let me get a pic with you lol. Wouldn't change you for the world, I will love you forever until we meet again."
Community Response
A statement from the Braniel Bonfire Committee, Braniel Loyal Flute Band and Braniel Community Group said there had been a "tragic accident" at the bonfire. It continued: "Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with Warren's family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time. As a community, we are heartbroken by this tragic loss and ask that everyone keeps his loved ones in their prayers in the days and weeks ahead."
The statement said following discussions with the dead man's family, the fire would be lit as planned on Saturday night. It said: "We respectfully ask everyone attending to join us in observing a minute's silence in Warren's memory before the bonfire is lit."
Eleventh Night Traditions
A number of the traditional Eleventh Night bonfires were lit across Northern Ireland late on Friday with further pyres will be ignited on Saturday and Sunday evenings. A large crowd attended the Corcrain bonfire on Friday night in Portadown where a fireworks display also took place. The bonfires are lit ahead of the Orange Order's July 12 parades across Northern Ireland on Monday, marking the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, when the Protestant King William of Orange triumphed over the Catholic King James.
While most of the bonfires pass off without incident, several have become the focus of contention due to the placing of flags, effigies and election posters on the structures before they are ignited. There was widespread condemnation after a bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, featured a replica of a mosque on top. That bonfire was lit a day early on Thursday night ahead of a planned police operation to remove the effigy.
