
Thousands of veterans demonstrated today in protest of the prosecution of 'Soldier F' - who faces murder charges over the Bloody Sunday shootings.

The march in central London, organised by the Justice for Northern Ireland Veterans group, is to voice opposition for the pending prosecution of Soldier F - which is the code name for the only serviceman set to stand trial for the massacre, which took place at the height of the Troubles.

Soldier F is one of 17 former members of the 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment who were investigated over the violence which left 13 people dead in Londonderry in 1972.

The Crown Prosecution Service announced last month that the man, whose identity is being protected, is to face prosecution for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney.

Critics of the prosecution have pointed out that roughly 200 IRA fugitives, thought to be behind a series of terror attacks during the Troubles, were sent so-called 'comfort letters', assuring them they were no longer suspects.

Thousands of demonstrators were seen in London today to show solidarity with the anonymous soldier. Among them was UKIP leader Gerard Batten.

Thousands of veterans demonstrated in London today to protest the prosecution of 'Soldier F' (pictured: Veterans at The Mall in central London)

UKIP leader Gerard Batten was seen at the front of the march - which was organised by the Justice for Northern Ireland Veterans group

Soldier F is the code name for the serviceman who is facing prosecution for the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre in Londonderry (pictured: A speech during today's march)

Soldier F is the only one set to stand trial for the massacre, which took place at the height of the Troubles. Pictured left: Paratroopers at the rally. Right: Demonstrators wave flags during a speech at the protest)

The Crown Prosecution Service announced last month that the man, whose identity is being protected, is to face prosecution for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney (pictured: Protesters wave flags in central London)

Thousands of demonstrators were seen in London today to show solidarity with the anonymous soldier (pictured: The back of a shirt worn by one of the demonstrators)

One Paratrooper is seen raising a flask during the demonstration to oppose the prosecution of Soldier F in London today

Protesters wearing yellow vests with slogans such as 'ordinary people have voices' and 'stop ignoring us' appeared at the rally, left. Right: Demonstrators wearing the distinctive Paratrooper headwear protest in London

Pictured: A protester wearing a yellow high-visibility vest, similar to those worn in French protests, with slogans such as 'sick of being downtrodden' written on it