Black Lives Matter protest moved online due to rise in coronavirus cases in Leeds

The protest, which is being held with Leeds Stand Up To Racism, will now be a virtual demonstration.

It will begin at 6pm on Friday, September 11 - the day a judge is to hear whether those accused of killing George Floyd will be tried collectively or as individuals.

A Leeds Stand Up To Racism spokesman said: "Due to the rise in positive Covid 19 cases in Leeds we will not be holding an outdoor vigil for George Floyd and opposing racist police.

"We will be having an online vigil. We feel it is important to show solidarity with George Floyd and Black Lives Matter.

"The trial hearing of the four ex police officers charged with the murder of George Floyd starts on Friday.

"On that day the judge is to hear whether those accused of George Floyd’s killing will be tried collectively or as individuals.

They added: "Stand Up To Racism and Black Lives Matter Leeds are asking all those who are supporting the fight for justice to show solidarity in a way that befits the cause

"Take the knee or hold up your fist on Friday in solidarity with George Floyd and to oppose racist policing in the UK.

"Leeds STUR and Black Lives Matter Leeds view the Black Lives Matter movement as inspiring and applaud that it has developed across the world in the wake of George Floyd’s killing.

"The issue of racist policing is at the heart of that movement.

"We are calling for anti-racists in Leeds to virtually stand with those facing racist harassment and violence at police hands.

"In Britain the massively disproportionate use of stop and search under section 60 against black people must end."

Section 60 gives police stop and search powers, which critics argue are disproportionately used against black people.

Black people are nearly ten times as likely to be stopped and searched as white people.

What happened to George Floyd?

George Floyd, who was 46-years-old, died after being arrested by police in Minneapolis in Minnesota on Monday, May 25.

Footage of the arrest appeared online showing a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck.

The officer knelt on his neck for more than seven minutes.

Transcripts of the police's bodycam footage showed that Mr Floyd said he "couldn't breathe" more than 20 times.

Derek Chauvin has since been charged with second-degree murder.

The three other officers at the scene have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.