Hundreds of protesters came together in Leeds today, June 6 in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement which has captured the world's attention.
Millions of people have taken to the streets globally to march against police brutality and racism following the death of George Floyd.
Mr Floyd died after a white officer held him down by pressing a knee into his neck in Minneapolis on May 25, sparking days of protest in the US.
In Leeds, around 200 people gathered this afternoon in front of the town hall to show their support.
One protester, Rosie, 20, said the atmosphere was warm and cheerful.
"Lots of smiles and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves," she said.
"When I arrived the crowd was gathering in front of two police officers and chanting 'take a knee'. There was quite a mix of ages and races too, not just young people."
Rosie, who found out about the protest by accident, decided to join in when she rode her bike past the town hall.
"I heard one [protest] was being organised from a tweet my friends shared but it said it would be on Sunday so I didn't know about it until I rode my bike near town hall and saw the gathering," said Rosie.
"I decided to stop because I support the cause and wanted to show solidarity."
Many people, including Health Secretary Matt Hancock, have criticised the mass gatherings, fearing they would cause a spike in coronavirus infections.
But Rosie said: "You have to stand up for what's right, no matter what."
