MORE than 100 people marched through Southampton today to protest against the violence in Gaza.

The peace march was organised by the Muslim Council of Southampton but was joined by various other community groups as they gathered by the city's peace fountain on Southampton Common.

And passers by stopped to look as they walked along city streets shouting "Free Palestine" before stopping outside the BBC building to protest against its coverage of the crisis.

Mohammeed Khan Jee, secretary of the Muslim council, said the protest was not aimed at criticising people but urging the British government to act and save lives in Gaza.

He said: "Children have been slaughtered and women killed. They have no electricity or any of e things we take for granted.

"We are not asking anyone to attack Israel, all we are asking for is the government to help the people of Gaza and Palestine so we can find some sort of solution."

Police liaison officers were also on the scene to ensure the safety of the protestors.