Black Lives Matter: Hundreds in Plymouth stand in solidarity with the global movement

The protesters stood with placards and marched through the city centre. Credit: Molly McHugh

Hundreds of people in Plymouth have joined the global Black Lives Matter movement in a protest through the city centre.

It was one of many held in the West Country on Sunday (7 June), with other locations including Truro, Exeter and Bristol.

Thousands of people joined in solidarity with others taking action all over the world. It follows the death of George Floyd at the hands of US police.

The march in Plymouth was "largely" peaceful, according to a Devon and Cornwall Police officer.

Protesters walked from Jigsaw Park towards Charles Cross Police Station, where speakers addressed the crowd and held placards.

They, like other movements across the country on the same day, held an eight-minute silence where people could kneel.

Those taking part were encouraged to adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings, to help minimise the spread of coronavirus.

Nathan Gilchrist created the event on Facebook. On the event page he said: "We don't want this protest to be led by the voices of white people.

"We've only set it up in the hopes of being able to provide a positive and safe space for black organisers to have their say, whilst also taking a stand against the system of white supremacy that we witness in the UK and USA.

"If there are any POC who anyone thinks might be interested in organising this, let us know so we can get in contact."

Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard tweeted his support for those who took action in the city

Others shared their experiences of the day on social media

In Bristol a statue of slave trader Edward Colston was torn down and thrown into the harbour.

Around 10,000 people turned out to join the march, which saw the bronze memorial ripped from its position in the city centre.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has condemned the action, calling it "utterly disgraceful".