Protesters call on the end to war as second 'global day of action' against Ukraine invasion is held in Manchester

Crowds stood in solidarity as they echoed one clear message across Manchester this weekend ... stop the war on Ukraine.

Banners waved in the air as hundreds of people gathered to listen to various speakers from the region's 'Stop the War' coalition.

It was a rally held alongside others globally, in a day of action by people demonstrating against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Meeting at St Ann's square on Sunday afternoon (March 6), it marked the second day of protests held in Manchester this weekend.

READ MORE RECAP: Crowds gather in Manchester city centre for 'global day of action' against war in Ukraine

Various speakers stood before the crowds to raise morale and spread messages of positivity. But, they also encouraged those listening to continue putting pressure on the government and local councils to increase their humanitarian efforts in supporting the people of Ukraine.

Among those was Catherine Scott from Oldham - who attended the rally to show support for her friend currently living in Ukraine and for those clawing to get over the border to safety.

"There is a personal element to this for me, as I have a friend in Ukraine it’s extremely scary and terrifying time," she said.

"I’m also here to take a stand against war and call on our own government to take more action and find a diplomatic solution. Violence, weapons and the killing of thousands of people is not the answer."

Also present were members of the International Socialist Alternative organisation. One of them, Becky Yates told the M.E.N that she was there to show solidarity with innocent civilians in Ukraine.

She said: “Sadly, many of our members in Russia have been arrested for protesting and are having their voices silenced. It’s important for us