A man has died after falling from a bonfire more than 50ft (15 metres) tall in Northern Ireland.

Police say it is understood that the man, in his 30s, was helping to build the bonfire when the accident occurred in the Antiville estate in Larne, Co Antrim, on Saturday night.

Police and ambulance personnel attended the scene after the fatal incident, which happened just after 9.30pm and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The bonfire was constructed from stacked wooden pallets and is one of many being built in loyalist areas across Northern Ireland ahead of traditional Eleventh Night celebrations.

The fires are lit to usher in the main date in the Protestant loyalist parading season – the Twelfth of July.

The construction of the Antiville fire was nearing completion when the incident happened.

MP for the area Sammy Wilson, who attended the scene on Saturday night, said the community was in shock.

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“My thoughts and sympathy are with this man’s family,” the DUP MP said.

“It is a real tragedy at what is a special time of year for people in the loyalist community.

“The family are well-known in the area, and I am sure this will be greatly felt within the community.”

Mr Wilson said he understood the bonfire would now be removed.

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Inspector Adrian Bryan said: “Our thoughts are very much with his family at this time.”

Craigyhill estate bonfire record attempt to continue

The fatal fall in Antiville comes as Larne had been making headlines for another bonfire in the town.

Bonfire builders in the nearby Craigyhill estate are attempting to break a world record for the tallest bonfire, which currently stands at 198 feet (60.4 metres).

The builders said they would continue with their record bid in a tribute to the man who died.

Twelfth commemorations in Northern Ireland mark the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne, north of Dublin, in 1690 – securing a Protestant line of succession for the British Crown.

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