More than 10,000 hold peaceful silent vigil to support Black Lives Matters movement

More than 10,000 protesters formed a mile-long line along the sea front in Brighton today in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Activists wearing black clothes and masks and holding signs held a silent protest this afternoon.

Sussex Police confirmed that no arrests had been made.

It stands in stark contrast to ugly scenes in London, where far-right demonstrators lashed out at police as they gathered around a statue of Winston Churchill.

Anti-racist demonstrators poured in from all over Brighton for the event for the second week in a row.

It comes as people across the world continue to express outrage over the death of George Floyd in the US, and over racism in society.

More than 1,000 people came along for the demonstration (PA)

Observing social distancing where possible, the Brighton protesters joined together in applause in the balmy sun.

Ahead of the silent protest, organiser Ellie Ruewell said to those planning to attend: "We will be lining the closed Madeira Drive road along the seafront to show solidarity to all BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of colour) communities who continuously and tirelessly have their human rights challenged and fear dangerous oppression from authorities and governments alike.

Organisers said they wanted to show solidarity with the worldwide anti-racism campaign (PA)

Protesters gathered on the Sussex coast to demonstrate against racism (PA)

"I need to again stress this is a peaceful, silent protest where we stand in solidarity."

Protesters held signs calling out racism and prejudice, with one saying: "If you had time to watch Tiger King, you had time to learn."

Another echoed the phrase chanted across the world: "No justice. No peace."

Huge numbers largely stuck to social distancing rules as they marched along the seafront (EMPICS Entertainment)

A peaceful demonstration was held in Brighton in support of the Black Lives Matter movement (Martin Dalton/Shutterstock)

The demonstration was watched over by Sussex Police, with officers on foot and motorcycle seen at the edges of the crowd.

Many of the protesters were later expected to join a separate event, marching through the streets of the East Sussex city.

The Brighton demonstration was one of a number of peaceful protests held across the UK in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Crowds also gathered in locations including Liverpool and Hyde Park, London, to protest against racism in the UK and abroad.

Sussex Police confirmed that no arrests had been made (EMPICS Entertainment)

The large turnout was in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement (EMPICS Entertainment)

Sussex Police said: "A Black Lives Matter protest event in Brighton city centre on Saturday, which was attended by more than 10,000 people, passed off peacefully. There were no arrests."

It comes as far-right demonstrators clash with police in central London.

Ugly scenes showed protesters lashing out at officers, with some heard shouting racist abuse.