Anti-racism rally held in Derry's Guildhall Square

Organisers say the rally was held to stand in solidarity with the migrant community of the north west in response to violent scenes seen in areas like Belfast

Hundreds of people attended an anti-racism rally in Guildhall Square in Londonderry on Wednesday evening.

Organisers said it was held to show solidarity with the migrant community of the north west in response to some of the violent scenes seen in Belfast and some areas in England in recent days.

There have been no such violent scenes in Northern Ireland's north west.

Derry City and Strabane District Mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, who is originally from Kenya and is Northern Ireland's first black mayor, was among those who addressed the crowd.

Many people held flags and placards in Guildhall Square

The event was organised by United Against Racism Derry, as well as organisations such as the North West Islamic Association.

Organiser Davy McAuley said it was great to see such a large turn-out in support of people who have come from all over the world to live in Derry.

"This is a city united against racism," he told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme.

"Events such as these are important because Derry has a rich history of standing up for people, this is a city of civil rights.

"When our friends and neighbours feel threatened, we want to tell people that we won't stand for this and it won't be tolerated."

Northern Ireland's first black mayor, Lilian Seenoi-Barr, was one of the people to address the crowd

Lilian Seenoi-Barr told the crowd that migrants, many of whom had fled persecution and war, should be made to feel welcome.

Ms Seenoi-Barr said she was deeply concerned by the "escalating hate crimes, Islamophobia and racism on the island of Ireland".

She said she had met senior police officers, politicians and statutory agencies to reassure communities across Northern Ireland that everything is being done to make them feel safe.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the rally passed off peacefully and without incident.

However, after the rally finished, police intercepted a number of individuals, some with their faces covered, on Magazine Street who were setting off smoke bombs.

The police said these individuals dispersed when officers intervened.

They said enquiries were ongoing and video footage would be reviewed.

No injuries were reported and no arrests were made.