Black Lives Matter: More protests held to support movement

Hundreds of people across Wales have attended protests in support of Black Lives Matter.

The largest gathering was in Monmouth, where about 400 people wore masks and social distanced due to coronavirus.

A further 200 were at a separate event in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, along with about 30 others, including ex-service personnel, saying they were protecting the cenotaph from potential damage.

Brecon and Aberavon Beach, near Port Talbot, also hosted demonstrations.

Margaret Ogunbanwo, from nearby Penygroes, spoke at the event in Caernarfon after deciding not to erase a swastika found painted on her garage door.

She shared her experiences of racism and also spoke of the support she received from locals, especially over the past few days.

Organisers, the North Wales African Society, said they wanted a peaceful demonstration to raise awareness and show that racism exists everywhere.

Sgt Non Edwards from North Wales Police said the force was "very happy" with the way the protest had been organised.

She added social distancing had been observed and the event was trouble-free.

The latest demonstrations follow peaceful protests in Chepstow and Barry on Saturday.

But there were more than 100 arrests at a protest in London in clashes with police.

In Chepstow, some people "took the knee", while in Barry those who experienced racism were asked to form a line.

Protests around the world have been sparked following the death of George Floyd in the US.

The 46-year-old died in Minneapolis in May as a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

The final moments were filmed on phones and four police officers involved have been sacked and charged over his death.

Organisers of the demonstration at Chippenham Fields in Monmouth said they "do not tolerate any violence" and personal protective equipment was mandatory.