Thousands of people have marched in Messina, Sicily, to protest a government plan to build a bridge connecting the Italian mainland with Sicily.

The Italian government has given final approval for the construction of what would be the world’s longest single-span bridge, connecting Sicily to the mainland, a decision that immediately sets the stage for a potential legal battle.

Italy has finally approved a €13.5bn (£12bn) plan to build the world’s longest suspension bridge from the mainland to Sicily – an idea first envisaged by the ancient Romans – despite concerns funds will be siphoned off by the mafia.