Hundreds take part in rally about 'immigration concerns'

Hundreds of people have taken part in a rally in Coleraine, County Londonderry, addressing "immigration concerns and protecting women and children".

The group called 'Our Northern Ireland Voice' gathered in the Diamond area of the town on Saturday holding flags and banners.

According to their Facebook page they are a "community dedicated to protecting, preserving, and celebrating the culture, traditions, and heritage that make Northern Ireland unique".

In social media posts advertising the event, the group stipulated "all welcome. No foreign flags".

Previous video posts by the group also referred to ongoing concerns some local people have about houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Coleraine.

The legal definition of a HMO is a property lived in by three or more people from three or more separate households who share facilities like a kitchen.

A small counter protest organised by 'Causeway Trade Union Council' also gathered in the same area in opposition to the rally.

They held flags, banners and played music.

NIPSA Northern Ireland Deputy General Secretary, Patrick Mulholland, was part of the counter protest which he said was aimed at sending a message for "unity of the ordinary people".

He added that the trade union he represents regularly attends demonstrations calling for more social housing and to defend public services that women and children rely on.

"Unfortunately the people who are at this demonstration today, the far right demonstration, are never on the demonstrations which take place to advance those issues," Mulholland said.

"They are always on the side of division. They are never there to put forward a positive message."

A spokesperson for 'Our Northern Ireland Voice' declined to speak to BBC News NI.

There was a small police presence and both groups were separated by barriers.

Some abuse was shouted by demonstrators towards the counter protesters before organisers took part in a march around the town.

The crowd then made their way through Bridge Street, Old Bridge, Circular Road and Union Street.

The Northern Ireland Parades Commission was informed about the parade and imposed conditions in advance.

Some of the conditions included not deviating from the route and no "provocative, threatening, insulting or abusive" behaviour to any person or group.

The PSNI told BBC News NI an "appropriate and proportionate policing operation" was in place.

In a statement a spokesperson said: "Officers understand the concerns that have been raised and have engaged with businesses in the town and all policing partners".

Police said they did not advise businesses to alter their normal opening hours.