Thousands of people have gathered in Moscow for Alexei Navalny’s funeral despite the risk of arrest – with a large crowd clapping and chanting his name as his body was carried inside the church.

The funeral of the prominent Vladimir Putin critic, whose death was announced on 16 February, was being held under heavy police presence.

Hours before the funeral was set to start, hundreds waited to enter the church.

After the hearse arrived at the church, the crowd applauded and chanted: “Alexei! Alexei!”

Navalny’s funeral – follow latest updates

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

The Kremlin has urged those gathering in Moscow and other places not to break the law, saying any “unauthorised (mass) gatherings” are violations.

Mr Navalny died at a penal colony within the Artic Circle while serving a 19-year prison sentence on charges his supporters said were politically motivated.

Oleg Orlov: Russia jails Nobel Peace Prize winner for ‘repeatedly criticising armed forces’

Alexei Navalny ally urges Russians to protest on election day

Alexei Navalny was set to be part of prison swap before he died, claims ally

The circumstances of Mr Navalny’s death remain unclear – but several world leaders, including Joe Biden, have directly blamed Vladimir Putin and the Russian government.

Mr Navalny’s widow Yulia Navalnaya has also pointed the finger at the Russian president, claiming her husband could have been poisoned with novichok.

The Kremlin has repeatedly denied any involvement in his death.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Related posts:

‘A horrifying sight’: At least 12 killed in stampede at Hindu shrine in Kashmir Sri Lanka’s prime minister ‘offers resignation’ and entire country under curfew as violence erupts US President Joe Biden fears Putin has no exit strategy from Ukraine conflict Britons plead not guilty to being mercenaries in Russian-backed separatist court Dangerous far-right demagogue or free-thinking radical? Italy on verge of electing first female PM Protesters occupy German village earmarked for demolition to make way for coal mine ‘It’s painful’: US facing record-breaking wind chill factors so cold they’re literally off the charts China drilling hole over 11,000m deep into the desert What is happening in Gabon and who is Ali Bongo? Iran ‘launches satellite into space’ amid Western fears over nuclear threat Embers of a dying fire: Surprise and relief as Iceland volcano simmers down Day of mourning declared after 14 killed in Prague shooting – as suspect linked to separate murder