Thousands to attend anti-sectarianism rally

Thousands of people are expected to attend an anti-sectarianism rally in Belfast city centre today.

The rally was organised by Sinn Fein Lord Mayor Alex Maskey following the UDA murder of a 19-year-old Catholic man, Gerard Lawlor two weeks ago.

However, it has taken on added significance due to the murder of a construction worker in Derry in a dissident republican bomb attack yesterday.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the Confederation of British Industry, Belfast Chamber of Trade, the Church of Ireland and the Methodist, Presbyterian and Catholic churches have all called on the public to support the rally, which is due to begin at 1pm.