Hundreds attend Black Lives Matter protest in Chelmsford

Hundreds of people have attended a Black Lives Matter protest in Chelmsford.

Speakers addressed crowds in Central Park before a march bound for Oaklands Park set off at about 14:00 BST.

Those at the protest said people were "respecting space" and had face masks.

Dean, 35, from Ilford, said he decided to attend the protest to make a stand against "the brutality and segregation" black people face.

"It needs to stop and it's about time something was done about it," he said.

Milan Homan, 18, from Brentwood, said she felt "morally obliged" to join the protest as she and her family are mixed race.

"It's very important to me," she said.

Malaika Gangooly, 19, one of three protest organisers, said they wanted to host a local event for people who felt travelling to London was a risk due to coronavirus.

"We thought it would be an amazing way to get all communities together to fight for justice and equality," she said.

"I grew up in a little seaside town and there I did get quite a few racist comments.

"I think it's important to everyone that we make it seen that this isn't only happening in America, it's happening all over the world and it's happening in your neighbourhood."

A spokeswoman for Essex Police said: "We respect the right of those who wish to hold a peaceful protest and our priority is public safety and reassurance.

"Our officers were in attendance to provide reassurance and ensure everyone's safety."