Live: Trial of former soldier accused of Bloody Sunday killings begins in Belfast

The trial of a former paratrooper accused of murdering two men on Bloody Sunday has begun at Belfast Crown Court.

Soldier F, who cannot be identified due to a court order, stands accused of the murders of James Wray and William McKinney.

Members of the Parachute Regiment shot dead 13 civil rights protesters in Londonderry on 30 January 1972.

• Former paratrooper Soldier F to go on trial for two murders on Bloody Sunday
• Trial date set for former soldier accused of murder over Bloody Sunday deaths
• Former soldier accused of two murders on Bloody Sunday denies all charges

He is also charged with the attempted murders of five other people - and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

:: This article will be periodically updated with key moments from the trial.

Families of victims and NI Veterans Commissioner speak outside court

A short rally took place outside Belfast Crown Court prior to the commencement of the trial.

John McKinney, the brother of William McKinney, described the day as “momentous,” adding: “It has taken 53 years to get to this point, and we have battled all the odds to get here.”

Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone said many veterans felt "frustrated, angry and betrayed" by the legacy process taking place.

"The vast majority… of nearly 300,000 Armed Forces that served here in Northern Ireland during Op Banner did so with dignity, with restraint and with professionalism," he said.

"As Veterans Commissioner, I will continue to advocate for a legacy process that ensures fairness for all, upholds the principles of justice and recognises the service and the sacrifice of those who stood in defence of all sections of this community during one of the darkest chapters in our history."

Prosecution sets out case

Setting out the case for the prosecution, Louis Mably KC said the trial would have a "specific and narrow focus" on shootings by a group of soldiers from the Parachute Regiment which took place in a courtyard in Londonderry's Bogside area on Bloody Sunday.

"The shooting was unnecessary and it was gratuitous and it was carried out, given the weapon involved, with an intent to kill and, in any event, at the least with an intent to cause really serious harm," Mr Mably added.

Soldier F is present in the courtroom, but is cloaked by a long curtain to preserve his anonymity.