It has been covered with fire retardant tarpaulin. It is understood the police have asked Northern Ireland Electricity for an assessment of the extent of the risk to supply, as well as environmental experts to discuss the nature of the risk posed by the asbestos on the site. Police will also consider the potential consequences if they decide to provide protection for contractors to remove the bonfire material. Senior police sources have rejected reports that loyalist paramilitary groups in the area have issued a joint statement warning of widespread violence in loyalist areas across Northern Ireland if the bonfire is removed. However, there is a strong likelihood that the UDA and UVF in the so-called loyalist village area where the bonfire is located would strongly resist any attempt to forcibly remove it, and that could it trigger disorder in other loyalist areas. Crowds gather to protect the bonfire in south Belfast Crowds gathered last night to defend the bonfire in south Belfast Last night, just hours after the Belfast city council decision, entrance roads to the site were blocked, a small crowd gathered close to the site and several young men could be seen on top of the bonfire. The geography of the area, bordered by the Westlink motorway on one side and residential and commercial premises on two other sides, means police would have limited options to access site, reducing tactical options. The fact that the site is adjacent to the Westlink, the city's busiest road, is another factor, as any rioting would result in its closure. There is also a risk that the bonfire builders could quickly set it on fire if police were seen moving into the area. Sinn Féin has said the police decision must not be based on the threat of "mob rule". Four years ago, the PSNI refused to facilitate a decision to have contractors remove a contentious bonfire in north Belfast. Explaining its rationale for that decision, the police cited the fact that children were on top of the bonfire and the threat of serious public disorder. That decision was later endorsed by the High Court in Belfast. A tricolor flag and a migrant boat effigy can be seen on top of a bonfire in Co Tyrone A migrant effigy on top of a bonfire in Moygashel has been described as 'vile' Meanwhile, police have also been asked to intervene to remove effigies of migrants in a boat on top of a bonfire in the village of Moygashel in Co Tyrone. Below the boat are several placards, one stating "stop the boats" and another "veterans before refugees". Sources have indicated that they are unlikely to do so because while the structure placed on top of the bonfire has been widely criticised, it does not constitute a criminal act. The bonfire is due to be lit tonight. Amnesty International's Northern Ireland Director Patrick Corrigan described the bonfire as a "vile, dehumanising act that fuels hatred and racism". "Amnesty International urges the authorities to ensure its immediate removal and calls on the PSNI to investigate and hold those responsible to account. "A clear and unequivocal message must be sent that xenophobia and incitement to hatred have no place in our society." The bonfires are among around 300 set to be lit across Northern Ireland tonight and tomorrow night ahead of Orange Order parades on Saturday, 12 July. While most pass off without incident, several have become the focus of contention due to the placing of flags, effigies and election posters on them before they are ignited.