Protestors march in Newport in solidarity with Black Lives Matter campaign

Protesters have gathered in Newport city centre to march in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter campaign.

A march through the city began at lunchtime on Thursday before protestors then stopped to 'Take the Knee' and fall silent to remember people of colour who have experienced racism and racist violence.

The march ended outside the University of South Wales' City Centre Campus on Usk Way.

Organisers said the march would be a peaceful demonstration which will adhere to social distancing rules at all times.

Attendees have also been asked to wear masks and gloves as well as to bring their own food and water.

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On Wednesday, Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) organised a protest as part of a day of action against discrimination following the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis.

The 46-year-old black man died after a police officer held him down by pressing his knee into his neck for nearly nine minutes.

An event was held outside Cardiff City Hall so people can show solidarity with Mr Floyd.

SUTR said the campaign was inspired by the kneeling protest staged by American football star Colin Kaepernick in 2016 that has become synonymous with the Black Lives Matter movement.

There have also been calls to remove statues around Wales that celebrate people who either supported slavery, or who actively owned them.

There have been calls to remove a statue of slave trader Thomas Picton from Cardiff's City Hall.

A library named after former Prime Minister William Gladstone has also responded to calls for its name to be changed and his statue to be removed due to links with slavery.