Crowds burst into song at Piccadilly Gardens protest in emotional show of solidarity with the war-ravaged people of Ukraine

Hundreds of people have gathered in Manchester city centre today in an emotional show of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

As President Vladimir Putin's Russian forces appeared to ignore a ceasefire to continue shelling, people gathered in Piccadilly Gardens on Saturday afternoon. After a series of speeches, the centre-piece of the gathering came when the crowd started to sing songs to show solidarity with the war-ravaged people of Ukraine.

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Many of those who gathered were draped in the flag of Ukraine and were either born there or have Ukraine heritage.

It was the second such gathering in a week in Piccadilly Gardens designed to send a message of love, support and solidarity to Ukraine.

Today's protest was organised by the Ukrainian Cultural Centre 'Dnipro' Manchester group. Crowds began walking from the centre in Cheetham Hill at lunchtime.

Among the crowd were Ethi, Sam, Lexi and Isabelle Wilson from Timperley. Ethi is part-Ukrainian and said she has family at home who are scared and desperately trying to flee.

"We are donating toys to children back home who should be able to play with them, not live in fear," said Ethi.

Andrew and Anastasia, who moved to the UK from Ukraine five years ago, said: "It’s great to see so many people here but we need more to be done.

"We need action from world leaders. We really hope they can close the sky. This is people’s lives at risk."

Another couple Wendy and Antony, from Hong Kong, said it was important for people around the world to show up and support Ukraine.

"It’s great to see so many people here from different backgrounds. We all share the same views and we don’t want war to happen,"