Hundreds expected at funeral of murdered teen

The 15-year-old Catholic schoolboy who was beaten to death by a loyalist gang in Ballymena earlier this month is due to laid to rest in the Co Antrim town later today.

Michael McIlveen's cortege will be followed by hundreds of people from the catholic and protestant communities shocked at the barbarity of the sectarian killing.

Local schoolchildren are also due to wear Celtic and Rangers jerseys as part of a guard of honour in a show of cross-community unity.

The teenager was walking home with friends 10 days ago when they were attacked by a gang of loyalists who beat the 15-year-old with baseball bats.

He died in hospital the following day.

Seven teenagers have been charged in connection with the murder.