St Patrick's Day parade in US capital cancelled as security costs rise

The organisers of the St Patrick's Day parade in Washington DC have cancelled this year's event due to rising security costs.

In a statement, the organising committee described itself as "distraught" to announce that the event has been cancelled. The volunteer-run parade has been held annually in the US capital since 1971 with tens of thousands of Irish-Americans attending in a celebration of heritage each year.