"The risk is not over": Police statement ahead of Black Lives Matter protest in Leeds

Protests have been going on in major cities across the UK this month despite the authorities asking people to stay at home.

It follows the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, USA, who died after a police officer restrained him by kneeling on his neck.

Protests are planned in Leeds on Woodhouse Moor at 2pm and in Millennium Square at 2.30pm on Sunday.

Black Lives Matter Leeds have organised the Woodhouse Moor demonstration and have called on people to bring their own facemasks and hand sanitiser and to avoid attending at all someone deems themselves or someone they live with to be at higher risk.

A poster for a Black Voices Matter event in Millennium Square also warns attendees to keep two metres apart and take hygiene precautions.

***UPDATE***: Black Lives Matter Leeds posted on Friday night that the Woodhouse Moor demo is cancelled and that they are pooling resources and joining the Black Voices Matter protest in Millenium Square instead.

In a statement, West Yorkshire said the right to "lawful protest is a key part of democracy".

A spokesman added: "However coronavirus is a deadly disease and the risk is not over.

"Current restrictions prohibit outdoor gatherings of more than six people and we ask the public to be mindful of their own health and safety and that of the wider public, by following current guidelines.

"We police by consent and enjoy strong engagement with our communities.

"We ask them to work with us at this difficult time."

Leeds City Council said they were "working closely" with police ahead of the protest.

The authority is considering how to ensure the statues of Queen Victoria and Robert Peel are not vandalised.

The Queen Victoria memorial was damaged earlier this week with graffiti, and the Robert Peel statue has been the subject of a petition calling on the council to remove it.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We are working closely with West Yorkshire Police and protest organisers to seek to ensure that Sunday's Black Lives Matter protest is progressed in a dignified, peaceful and respectful way.

"We are also considering what measures need to be put into place to seek to ensure that the statues of Queen Victoria and Robert Peel are not vandalised".