Mourners attend a vigil at the former site of the Andersontown Police Station in Belfast.

Mourners attend a vigil at the former site of the Andersontown Police Station in Belfast.

LARGE CROWDS TURNED out in Derry, Dublin, Belfast and cities across Ireland and in Europe last night to hold vigils in memory of former Northern Ireland deputy first leader Martin McGuinness.

The death of McGuinness was announced yesterday morning after he suffered from a short illness. He was 66.

Friends, family and figures from across the political divide paid tribute to McGuinness yesterday, recognising the important role he played in bringing peace to Northern Ireland.

He was also remembered internationally, with Bill Clinton among those paying their respects to the deceased former IRA fighter.

Last night, huge crowds turned out in McGuinness’ hometown of Derry as his coffin was being carried to his house.

Emmet McGuinness, a son of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness, follows his father's coffin to his home in Derry. Source: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Large crowds turned out in Belfast and Dublin also to remember and pay their respects to McGuinness.

Mourners attend a vigil at the former site of the Andersontown Police Station in Belfast. Source: PA Wire/PA Images

In Belfast, the crowd sang the popular song I Wish I was Back Home in Derry.

Roise Morgan holds an image of Martin McGuinness during a vigil at the former site of the Andersontown Police Station in Belfast. Source: PA Wire/PA Images

Large crowds were also present on O’Connell Street in Dublin in memory of the former deputy first minister.

Paying tribute to Martin McGuinness tonight at the GPO with Dublin Mid West Sinn Féin activists & republican comrades from across Dublin. pic.twitter.com/VrKguJydG0 — Eoin Ó Broin (@EOBroin) March 21, 2017 Source: Eoin O Broin /Twitter

There were also reports of smaller gatherings being held in cities across the country as well as further afield in Brussels and Scotland.

McGuinness’ funeral is due to take place tomorrow afternoon at St Columba’s Church, followed by burial afterwards in the City Cemetery in Derry.

Books of condolences will open today in Dublin, Cork and Derry. The flag above Leinster House will be flown at half-mast on the day of McGuinness’s funeral.