A mayoral candidate for Bristol has voiced his support for Black Lives Matter movement despite concerns that large-scale protests could affect the country's fight against coronavirus.
Charity campaigner and communication specialist Samuel Williams was selected as the Conservative Party's candidate last year.
As people across the world take action in protest at the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and racial injustice, Mr Williams has said he "stands in unity" with victims of racial injustice.
However, he has also expressed concerns over holding demonstrations against the backdrop of the global Covid-19 pandemic.
He said: "The past weeks have been painful for many as we have seen the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, the deep violence against Christian Cooper and then within a matter of days the killing of George Floyd at the hands of the police.
"As demonstrations continue to spread across the US and the UK, and planned for Bristol this coming Sunday, I wholehearted stand in unity with those suffering at the hands of racial injustice.
"I honour the lives of those who have been killed because of hate and I call for reform to the institutions that harbour systematic prejudice.
"However, within the current climate of the global Covid-19 pandemic and the fears of a second spike, coupled with the reports showing greater susceptibility and severity of Covid-19 on those of black and Asian heritage, I am very concerned that these demonstrations, which cannot uphold social distancing guidelines, will have a catastrophic impact on our collective fight against the virus.
"While the fact that this is known and yet thousands are willing to demonstrate, risking health, might reaffirm the strength of feeling associated with these demonstrations, I feel compelled to urge socially-distanced solidarity.
"While it is right that we act now, these demonstrations must be more than a mere moment.
"They must be a catalyst for sustained social reform both here and in the US."
You can find out more about Sunday's protest here.
Mayor Marvin Rees meanwhile has encouraged residents to make their voices heard this weekend by kneeling in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
