Loyalist sources have alleged that nationalists or republicans were in possession of at least one gun at the time of the unrest in the area.
The UPRG said in a statement issued on Sunday: "The bonfire itself acted not as a celebration of culture or history but as a nationalist statement to the fact that can do what they like in a divided community.

"The same anti-internment bonfires were also erected in Antrim and Belfast to the dismay of Sinn Fein, who vocally condemned them and the people who built them.

"Obviously against his party's policy, Cllr Billy Leonard has given his support and helped to create a republican ghetto within the Heights area by trying to support these people who are constantly intent on violence."

The UPRG claim police were beaten back as nationalist gangs attacked houses in the area on the night of the bonfire.
As a result, the group added, the Protestant community in the town reacted to defend residents but, after the residents restored calm, they were themselves subjected to arrest by the police. They also question why the police took no action against the known ringleader of the trouble at the bonfire.

The statement concludes: "The Protestant community are very upset with firstly Billy Leonard, who fails to condemn the actions of these thugs, and secondly the PSNI who seem afraid to take action against the thugs who create such violence within the Heights area on a daily basis. "
Other Loyalist sources have told the Times that a number of nationalists or republicans were observed moving a gun in the area of Drumard Drive, shortly before the violence at the bonfire erupted. The source says that such a move raises grave concerns for everyone in the community