Thousands join Black Lives Matter protests across UK

Thousands of people on Saturday joined Black Lives Matter protests across Britain despite British Health Secretary Matt Hancock's plea to obey the coronavirus lockdown, reported Xinhua.

Many people also rallied outside Downing Street in central London as the outcry continues over the death of George Floyd, whose death last week has sparked protests across the United States and beyond over police brutality and racism.

Protesters in central London took the knee during a minute's silence before beginning chants of "no justice, no peace," according to the london-based Evening Standard newspaper.

Many anti-racism demonstrators wore masks and social distancing measures were encouraged during the events in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Sheffield and Newcastle, among other cities.

At Friday's coronavirus news briefing, the health secretary warned people against joining the demonstrations this weekend, saying that "we're still facing a health crisis and coronavirus remains a real threat."

His message was echoed by British Home Secretary Priti Patel on Saturday, who addressed people wanting to protest on Sky News, saying: "Please don't."

Floyd, the 46-year-old African American, died after a white U.S. police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes until he stopped breathing.

In a video footage, Floyd was heard saying "I can't breathe" while three other police officers stood by.