Peaceful protest is planned for next week

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ACROSS the world people are picking up placards to peacefully protest in the Black Lives Matter movement in memory of George Floyd.

In Gloucestershire there will be peaceful protests in Gloucester on Saturday and another in Cheltenham on Monday.

The homicide of George Floyd has prompted several days of large scale protests and riots across the US, with fires started and police using tear gas on crowds of protesters.

In a statement released by Gloucestershire Constabulary regarding the planned local protests and the Black Lives Matter movement, assistant Chief Constable Rhiannon Kirk said: “We are aware of planned events and understand people will be feeling angry and upset.

“Officers are speaking to the public and community leaders and listening to the concerns they may have and we would encourage anyone else with concerns to speak to us.

“We stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified by the way George Floyd lost his life. Justice and accountability should follow.

“We are also appalled to see the violence and damage that has happened in so many US cities since then. Our hearts go out to all those affected by these terrible events and hope that peace and order will soon be restored.

“But coronavirus remains a deadly disease and there are still restrictions in place to prevent its spread, which include not gathering outside in groups of more than six people. So for whatever reason people want to come together, we ask that people continue to work with officers at this challenging time.”

The ‘Black Lives Matter Cheltenham Peaceful Protest’, is taking place at Pittville Park on Monday, June 8 at 2pm. Organiser Shekinah Swamba said: “This is going to be a peaceful protest. Please keep in mind the two metre social distancing rule. Bring water, masks, signs and yourselves.”

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