The first hearing in the Solider F case has taken place.

The former soldier is accused of two murders on Bloody Sunday in Derry on 30 January 1972.

Soldier F also faces five attempted murder charges in relation to the shootings.

At the brief hearing this morning, Mark Mulholland QC, representing the former paratrooper, confirmed he would be challenging the attempt to send him to Crown Court trial by calling witnesses at a mixed committal hearing.

Proceedings were adjourned to 4 December.

The judge granted an interim anonymity order to continue the protection of the accused's identity.

The decision to prosecute Soldier F was announced by the Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service in March.

Soldier F is accused of murdering James Wray and William McKinney.

He also stands accused of the attempted murders of Patrick O'Donnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon and Michael Quinn. He faces a seventh supporting charge of the attempted murder of a person or persons unknown on the day.

Relatives the victims gathered together in the Diamond area of the Derry city before walking together towards the courthouse.

Liam Wray (L) and Mickey McKinney walked with other relatives to the courthouse

Outside court, Mickey McKinney, the brother of William McKinney, said: "This is a very significant event for us on the journey towards achieving the third and final demand of the Bloody Sunday justice campaign - the prosecution of a solider for murder and attempted murder on Bloody Sunday."

Liam Wray, the brother of James Wray, said it was a "historic day".

"I am very nervous this morning," he said.

"We are glad and relieved that his day has arrived, it's been 47 and a half years."