The Minnesota attorney general has charged three more ex-police officers over George Floyd’s death - and upgraded the charge against Derek Chauvin to second-degree murder.
George Floyd, 46, died on May 25 after being pinned down by police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US.
A viral video of the incident shows the unarmed black security guard saying he was in pain and couldn’t breathe while one white officer, Derek Chauvin, is seen pinning George Floyd’s neck down with his knee.
Mr Floyd died soon afterwards, leaving behind his family, including two daughters, one aged six and one aged 22.
The incident has sparked global protests, through the Black Lives Matter campaign.
Chauvin, 44, was fired on May 26 and initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
The three other officers were also fired but were not immediately charged.
But tonight (Wednesday) it has emerged that Chauvin's charge will be upgraded and that the three officers have been charged.
Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison upgraded the charge against Chauvin to unintentional second-degree murder.
He also charged Thomas Lane, J Kueng and Tou Thao with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
"I strongly believe that these developments are in the interests of justice for Mr Floyd, his family, our community and our state," Mr Ellison said.
Before news of the upgraded charges, a lawyer for Chauvin said he would not be making public statement.
Lawyer Ben Crump tweeted that the Floyd family was 'deeply gratified' by Mr Ellison's action and called it 'a source of peace for George's family in this difficult time'.
Demonstrations have taken place in areas including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Columbia, South Carolina and Houston - and here in the UK.
Some have included clashes between police and protesters, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets by officers.
Activists have also protested in Manchester, with campaigners kneeling in the middle of Oxford Road during a Black Lives Matter demonstration earlier today (Wednesday).
The campaigners from Stand Up To Racism chanted 'black lives matter' and 'no justice, no peace' as they knelt outside Manchester University.
A similar protest took place outside St John's Church in Trafford, while across Greater Manchester others joined in the demonstration by kneeling on their doorsteps or outside their homes.
