Security overshadows preparations for US Republican Convention in Cleveland

Some 50,000 people are expected in the American city of Cleveland for the Republican National Convention which should confirm Donald Trump as the party’s official candidate for November’s presidential election.

Demonstrations are expected both for and against the controversial 70-year-old tycoon, who has picked the social conservative Mike Pence as his running mate and potential vice-president.

“There was some contention in the beginning – I think that’s smoothed out to the point that we’re all uniting behind Trump one way or the other. And we’re very excited about Pence being the VP nomination,” said Texan Republican delegate Chris Daniel.

Preparations for the convention come amid heightened security concerns following the shootings of police in Louisiana and Texas.

Ohio’s governor has said he has no powers to ban firearms during the event. The state’s police union had called for a law allowing people to carry guns to be suspended.

Several hundred protesters converged on the venue decrying police violence, racial injustice and Donald Trump’s policies.

The candidate enters the crucial week trailing his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton in most national opinion polls.

After the weekend’s shooting in Louisiana he tweeted “our country is divided and out of control. The world is watching”.