Thousands march in UK in support of Black Lives Matter

Large crowds of demonstrators set off from the city's Palace Pier on Saturday afternoon, with many carrying signs that read "Decolonise everything" and "Defund the police", the Metro newspaper reported.

Protesters shouted "black lives matter every day" and "UK is not innocent" as they walked together along the seafront and were serenaded by a string quartet as they passed the Brighton war memorial.

Congregating at The Level, thousands of demonstrators called out together: "It is our duty to do this every day. It is our duty to fight for racial justice. It is our duty to win. We are stronger together.

"We are here with love, peace and solidarity. We have nothing to lose - too many have already lost too much."

Saturday's march came days after footage of a young man being held down by police emerged, according to the Metro newspaper report.

He shouted "I can't breathe" during the incident, complaining that one of the officers was putting pressure on his neck.

The Sussex force said the man was arrested and became aggressive towards officers before being placed on the ground.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Saturday's demonstration follows mass anti-racism protests across the world in response to the death of George Floyd, an unarmed African-American who died under police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.