DOZENS of people gathered in Leominster on Thursday (June 11) as part of the fourth Black Lives Matter protest to be held in the county.

Demonstrators gathered at the Grange, as they have in towns and cities across the world, in protest of the murder of George Floyd in America.

There was a silence lasting eight minutes and 46 seconds, the same length of time Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin held his knee to Mr Floyd's neck.

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Natalie Norman, who lives in Millers Close, was one of the people who showed her support to the Black Lives Matter movement by attending the protest, which follows similar demonstrations in Hereford, Ross-on-Wye and Ledbury in recent days.

"I think it's an important issue to highlight not just locally but nationally and globally as well," Miss Norman, 30, said.

"Racism is everywhere, it's not just in one specific place. I don't think it's a huge issue in Leominster but it doesn't hurt to help to educate people on why this is such an important matter, now more than ever."

She added: "It's something I have felt very strongly about for a long time.

"The injustices that black people face just because of the colour of their skin is awful. Why are these people being treated differently?

"I wanted to show that they are not alone on fighting this fight."

A number of speeches were made by people, and they described why achieving equality between races in an important issue to them.

One protestor said black lives and those of people who are part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community should "not be argued about" and people should "learn to accept".

But the protest comes as West Mercia Police warn against future demonstrations, reminding people that they would be meeting illegally under current coronavirus restrictions.

At present groups of up to six people can meet outside while maintaining social distancing, but numbers of people at the protests regularly exceed this.

"We are aware of scheduled protests which are due to take place over the next few days," the force which covers Herefordshire said.

"Understandably people want to make their voices heard on this vital issue and the wider context surrounding it. We want to ensure the health and safety of all of our communities during Covid-19 and so we remind you that gatherings outside of more than six people are unlawful.

"It is important to find alternative and legal methods to voice your concerns over the weekend."