Region's landmarks turn purple in show of solidarity with George Floyd and protesters

Some of the region's landmarks were lit up purple last night, to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Liverpool's Town Hall and St George's Hall were two of the landmark's lit up, after Mayor Joe Anderson said on Twitter that the city has "always stood for justice".

It follows the gathering of hundreds of people for a peaceful protest at St George's Hall earlier in the evening.

The US is experiencing wide scale protests after the death of unarmed African-American man George Floyd, who died after a police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes.

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In Manchester, Wythenshawe Hall also turned purple in solidarity with those protesting for equal rights across America and around the globe.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Discrimination takes many forms, but in whatever guise it takes, it must be challenged head on. This is the only way we can make the world a more fair and equal place to live for everyone.

“The ongoing protests in America may feel thousands of miles away, but they are asking for the fundamental right to live, be safe and be free.These are the simple requests that we as a global community of people should have a right to expect.

“Manchester has always been a city that tries to unite our communities while celebrating our diversity.

“For this reason, Manchester will always stand in solidarity with those who feel they have no other choice other than to protest and fight for a more equal place in the world.”