Thousands gather for Black Lives Matter protests in Piccadilly Gardens
Date published: 08 June 2020
Thousands took to Manchester's city centre streets to protest over the weekend
Thousands gathered in Manchester city centre over the weekend to protest for the Black Lives Matter movement.
The protests took place in response to the death of George Floyd who was killed in police custody in America after a white officer knelt on his neck.
The incident has sparked protests around the world despite the risk of covid-19.
Most of the protesters in Manchester were wearing face covering and observed social distancing where possible.
After kneeling for a moment of silence, they chanted "I can't breathe" - the last words of George Floyd he died.
Flowers and placards have also been left by the new mural of Floyd in the centre.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and council leaders have perviously backed those who marched in Black Lives Matter demonstrations in the city centre.
He said: “We wanted to send a message to our own black communities here that we understand their anger and the anguish that is being felt.
“People are tired of discrimination and they want to see change as a result of this.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said anti-racism demonstrations that took place over the weekend have been 'subverted by thuggery' after some activists clashed with police.
Mr Johnson said people have a right to protest peacefully.
However, those that turned violent are a 'betrayal of the cause they serve'.
His comments come after thousands of people took to the streets in other UK cities to protest peacefully for Black Lives Matter.
However, some clashes with police in central London yesterday (Sunday) resulted in eight officers injured and 12 arrested.
Mr Johnson said on Twitter: "People have a right to protest peacefully and while observing social distancing but they have no right to attack the police.
“These demonstrations have been subverted by thuggery – and they are a betrayal of the cause they purport to serve.
“Those responsible will be held to account.”
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