A bonfire with a replica mosque placed on top of it has been lit before the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) could remove the effigy.
Police said it “commenced a significant and complex policing operation” to remove a “hate display”.
A spokesperson said the operation was at an “advanced stage when the bonfire was lit”.
The bonfire, in Moygashel in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, has featured other controversial displays in the past.
A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Had the bonfire not been lit police would have secured the site and removed the offending material and seized it as evidence.”
Police also confirmed a 56-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the effigy has been charged with incitement to hatred and is due to appear before Dungannon Magistrates Court on Friday.
The PSNI added the investigation into this “hate motivated crime” is ongoing.
Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett said: “Hate crime has no place in our society and will not be tolerated.
“That is why tonight we commenced a proactive policing operation to take action and remove the hate display from Moygashel bonfire.
“In advance of police arrival the bonfire was set alight a day in advance to prevent removal of the criminal material.”
The effigy was placed on top of the pyre on Wednesday and the bonfire was due to be lit on Friday.
The lighting of the bonfire comes after a day of condemnation with Justice Minister Naomi Long describing the effigy as a “nauseating spectacle of hatred” and called on the people who built the bonfire to take it down.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said it was as a “sickening and cowardly act of intimidation”.
In its statement, Moygashel Bonfire Association said the display might “shock, offend or outrage”, but said those involved in making it were exercising their right to freedom of expression.
