Neil Lennon, the captain of Northern Ireland's football team, has announced his retirement from international football following sectarian death threats against him and his family.

Politicians united to condemn the developments.

David Trimble, leader of the Ulster Unionists, said the death threat was a "sinister and serious development".

Northern Ireland minister Jane Kennedy told the BBC: "It is a shameful day that here we have sectarian bigots bringing about the premature end of a very fine footballer's international career."