Black Lives Matter protest outside Leeds Town Hall following death of George Floyd

A protest took place outside Leeds Town Hall this afternoon (Saturday) following the death of George Floyd.
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Thousands of people across the UK have turned out for anti-racism protests in major cities.

Protests began in the US after a video emerged of Mr Floyd, 46, being arrested on May 25 in Minneapolis, USA.

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Phone footage showed him gasping that he could not breathe during the arrest by four officers.

Black Lives Matters protesters outside Leeds Town Hall (photo: Rosie W).Black Lives Matters protesters outside Leeds Town Hall (photo: Rosie W).
Black Lives Matters protesters outside Leeds Town Hall (photo: Rosie W).

They have since been charged over the death, which sparked days of protest in the US and Black Lives Matter (BLM) demonstrations across the world.

Home Secretary Priti Patel urged people to stay at home amid concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

There has been some confusion about whether protests in Leeds would go ahead.

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Posts appeared on social media suggesting demonstrations would be taking place outside the Town Hall and on Woodhouse Moor this weekend.

Demonstrators hold up a sign outside Leeds Town Hall (photo: Rosie W).Demonstrators hold up a sign outside Leeds Town Hall (photo: Rosie W).
Demonstrators hold up a sign outside Leeds Town Hall (photo: Rosie W).

But these were deleted after the organisers spoke to Marvina Newton, of Black Lives Matters Leeds.

In a video posted online, she said those organising the protests had not spoken to BAME (black and minority ethnic) groups in Leeds beforehand.

Ms Newton said in a video that a poorly organised protest could be counterproductive, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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However, demonstrators did gather in front of the Town Hall today.

The Black Lives Matter demonstration (photo: Rosie W).The Black Lives Matter demonstration (photo: Rosie W).
The Black Lives Matter demonstration (photo: Rosie W).

Black Lives Matter Leeds is organising an 'online gathering' for tomorrow (Sunday).

Preparations for an event on Sunday, June 14 are also being made.

A post on the BLM Leeds Facebook page read: "We are working towards hosting an event where we can come together as a community and express our frustration.

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"Our circumstances will not change unless we continue to stand against it with one another, each and every day.

"Whilst we have locations in mind, we will confirm all details once we have performed the relevant assessments and are satisfied we can ensure the safety of those in attendance."

A poster has also appeared online from a group called Black Voices Matter advertising a protest in Millenium Square at 2.30pm on Sunday, March 14.