Black Lives Matter protest in Alexandra Park, Hastings. Photo by Justin LycettBlack Lives Matter protest in Alexandra Park, Hastings. Photo by Justin Lycett
Black Lives Matter protest in Alexandra Park, Hastings. Photo by Justin Lycett

Hundreds attend Black Lives Matter protest in Hastings: in pictures

Hundreds of people have attended a Black Lives Matter protest in Hastings this afternoon (June 7).

From 1pm, Alexandra Park was filled with protesters for the Rally Against Racism. Those that took part were observing social distancing by sitting apart from each other, and wearing masks was compulsory. A selection of speakers were also set to deliver speeches at the event. The Black Lives Matter movement has been launched back into the global spotlight following the recent killing of George Floyd by a police officer in the US, sparking protests around the world. On Facebook, the organisers said: “This event is intended to be an opportunity for local people to come together and to express our outrage as well as love and hope for a future of peace, unity and social justice for all. We are hosting this event at the same time as protests in London and Brighton and hope that this will give local people an opportunity to demonstrate safely and without having to travel great distances.” UK Government officials had urged against mass gatherings due to coronavirus, but other protests also took place today in London, Manchester, Cardiff, and Sheffield. Mr Floyd died on May 25 in Minneapolis after white police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck, despite saying he could not breathe. The officer has since been charged with second-degree murder. Other protests planned for Sussex include Eastbourne, Chichester and Brighton next week.