A planned Black Lives Matter protest in Newcastle this Saturday has been 'moved online'.
Demonstrations have been happening around the world after the killing of George Floyd, a black man who died while being arrested on suspicion of a minor offence.
A call for people to congregate at Monument in Newcastle city centre on June 6 was circulated online but the event organiser has now put the brakes on.
Activists looking to hold rallies in solidarity with the BLM movement have faced juggling their commitment to protest with social-distancing guidelines this week.
Organiser Simon David posted on Twitter: "It's been encouraging to see such a positive response to this event.
"However, having learnt Black Lives Matter UK do not endorse protesting in large groups during the pandemic, we are looking to move this event ONLINE.
"The risk of being fined and arrested for not correctly social distancing and the risk of death from coronavirus are both higher for POC and, although it may seem counter-intuitive, it would be harmful to support a movement in a way that goes against the wishes of those who built it and those it represents.
"We are still hoping to mark a minute's silence at the same time and welcome thoughts, speakers and those who can assist technically."
George Floyd, 46, died while being arrested by officer Derek Chauvin, 44, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, following a report of a minor offence.
Shocking footage of the arrest in broad daylight shows the white officer kneeling on the back of Mr Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes.
Protests and riots have sprung up across the US in response to the latest killing of a black American by a police officer.
Thousands marched past the US embassy in London on Sunday. Metropolitan Police officers arrested 23 people, some for offences under the coronavirus legislation.
