shootings

Thousands held silent protests across Northern Ireland today to express anger at the resurgence of violence in the province.

Two soldiers and a policeman have died in the last week, with dissident republican groups claiming that they carried out the attacks.

Protesters gathered at 1pm at in Belfast, Lisburn, Newry, Downpatrick and Londonderry to denounce the killings.

A vigil for peace was also being held near the site of one of the killings in County Armagh.

Condemnation

The teenage gunman who went on the rampage at a secondary school in south-west Germany has been killed in a gun battle with police.

At least 15 people are dead after the gunman entered the Albertville secondary school and began firing. Most of the victims are students and teachers.

After finishing his killing spree he fled into the local town of Winnenden in a car with a hostage.

German police used helicopters to search the town, culminating in his death in a shootout.

Passers-by