A born again Christian preacher accused of making grossly offensive remarks about Muslims has been cleared by a court in the North.

The trial of an evangelical preacher accused of branding Islam “heathen” and “satanic” has opened with gospel music being played in a Belfast courtroom.

Islamic representatives in the North have welcomed a public apology from an evangelical preacher who sparked controversy when he said he did not trust Muslims.

An evangelical preacher who sparked controversy in the North when he said he did not trust Muslims has apologised for any distress he might have caused.

Northern Ireland’s firefighters tonight donated their £50,000 (€70,960) hardship fund to the victims of the Asian disaster.