Hundreds of protesters marched through Swindon and called for a ceasefire during a demonstration in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The large protest was held at Regent Circus in the town centre on Saturday in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine after thousands of people were killed in Gaza.

Huge crowds turned out in a “show of solidarity with the Palestinian people”, and speakers at the beginning of the event called for “peace” and an end to the continued “destruction”.

Activist Tony Hillier, who hosted the speeches, told the Adver people were there to show their solidarity with civilian victims.

He said: "I'm here today to show my solidarity with a range of organisations and individuals, to say that many parts of Swindon do not agree with the continued pain in Palestine.

"I'm here because in any culture, religion or political party, it's wrong to kill innocent civilians and that's what has been happening on a mega scale for 75 years.

"For any side to continue bombing people now is a crime against humanity."

After around an hour of speeches, the group marched through the town centre, down Regent Street and back towards Regent Circus via Commercial Road, while shoppers looked on.

Chants of “free Palestine” and “from the river to the sea Palestine will be free” could be heard throughout the afternoon, as protesters called for an end to the violence.

During the march, police held traffic in the area to allow the group to move safely along Commercial Road.

As well as members of the public, numerous mosques, unions, and the Swindon Palestine Solidarity Organisation showed up.

Ahead of the event, the chairman of Swindon’s Hazrath Shajalal Central Mosque, Abdul Khalique, said: “As homes are demolished, families displaced, and lives disrupted, we stand united against oppression and advocate for the basic human rights of the Palestinian people."

The march also had support from the National Education Union and the Fire Brigades Union, with both organisations represented by speakers at the beginning of the demonstration.

Swindon Advertiser: Protesters in SwindonProtesters in Swindon (Image: Dave Cox)

Steve Wright, of the Fire Brigades Union, used his speech to call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the ongoing hostilities.

He said: “This is a fantastic turnout, and we need to make our message loud and clear so that people listen to us.

“Our members have been horrified at the loss of civilian life… we condemn the attacks on civilian targets.

“We demand a ceasefire, and we call for peace. Enough is enough.”