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Hyde Park filled with thousands of activists as London Black Lives Matter stages protest after George Floyd death

REUTERS
REUTERS

Thousands of protesters have flocked to Hyde Park to take part in a London Black Lives Matter protest in response to the death of George Floyd.

Activists, several wearing masks, waved placards and chanted "Black Lives Matter” and “no justice, no peace” as the demonstration got under way. Other signs read: “UK aren’t innocent”.

Crowds began to build in Hyde Park some three hours before the start of the protest. As groups gathered, social distancing became problematic due to sheer numbers.

Stewards continually pleaded for demonstrators to spread out as they marshalled people and told them to keep a two metre distance.

Organisers were also issuing masks and gloves to protestors, while a first aid station was set up. A police helicopter buzzed above Hyde Park to monitor the protest.

Among those protesting was London-born Star Wars actor John Boyega, who described the day's action as "vital" as he spoke to the crowds using a megaphone.

"Today is about innocent people who were halfway through their process," he said. "We don’t know what George Floyd could have achieved, we don’t know what Sandra Bland could have achieved, but today we’re going to make sure that won’t be an alien thought to our young ones.”

Thousands of protesters have flocked to Hyde Park (Sky News)
Thousands of protesters have flocked to Hyde Park (Sky News)

The protest drew people from all over the world. Gabriella Sanchez, a Spanish national, said: “This is an international issue. We are here to show that the word justice does mean something.

Protesters holding placards (PA)
Protesters holding placards (PA)

German Markus Fischer said: “Injustice needs to be fought everywhere.”

Organiser Naomi Smith, 21, a hairdresser by trade, said it was "important that we do this in London to show solidarity".

She told the Standard: "We will keep to the social distance rules and this is a peaceful demonstration.” There are plans for speakers to address the crowds throughout the day.

The protest has drawn thousands to Hyde Park (PA)
The protest has drawn thousands to Hyde Park (PA)

Another organiser said: “We are trying our best and so far people are being great.”

The protest is part of a day of action against discrimination in response to the death of Mr Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis.

In the US, Tuesday marked the eighth night of the protests , which have quickly spread across the US.

John Boyega adressing the crowds (Getty Images)
John Boyega adressing the crowds (Getty Images)

Demonstrations have taken place in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Columbia, South Carolina and Houston.

Some protests have included widely reported clashes between police and protesters, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets.

Protesters have also defied curfews and President Donald Trump has pressed governors to put down violence sparked by Mr Floyd’s death.

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Thousands to descend on Hyde Park for George Floyd protest- LIVE