First migrant group reaches Mexico City

The first migrants from a large convoy of around 5000 people travelling through Mexico towards the United States have arrived in the capital, Mexico City.

These migrants says they are fleeing persecution, poverty and violence in their home countries of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

About 450 people, mostly men and boys, have been given temporary shelter at a sports stadium.

The convoy, known as a caravan, set off from Honduras several weeks ago and is now about 5,000 strong.

Many of those arriving in the Jesus Martinez Palillo stadium on Sunday had walked or hitched rides from the state of Veracruz.

Veracruz Governor Miguel Angel Yunes said on Friday that buses would be provided to take migrants to the capital - but the offer was later withdrawn.

Authorities in Mexico City say they have prepared food and shelter as well as medical services and legal advisers for the thousands who are expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

Tanks capable of holding 10,000 litres (2,200 gallons) of drinking water have been installed in the stadium, La Jornada reported.

President Trump has said he will use the military to completely close the US-Mexico border if necessary to stop the migrants crossing. He has also sent 5200 troops to the border with Mexico as migrants from Central America walked towards the US.

He also threatened to cut aid to Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras while critics have accused Trump of using the threat of illegal immigration to fire up his supporters ahead of Tuesday's mid-term elections.