PEOPLE are set to gather in Hereford this week to protest against the death of a black man restrained by police in America.

The Black Lives Matter demonstration in High Town will follow a number of protests in America, as well as the UK, organised after George Floyd died when a white officer held him down by pressing a knee into his neck last Monday in Minneapolis.

One of the organisers of the "peaceful" protest in Hereford at 6.30pm on Thursday said it's important to highlight the issue of racism locally.

Ethan Gillespie, 20, said: "The protest is being held because we are all so hurt by the amount of innocent black lives lost . Sharing posts online just doesn't seem to be doing enough, the voices of black people need to be heard and their future is so important that hopefully this protest can give them that platform to speak out.

"Hereford is a small city but it is not exempt from racism, and we can all consciously make an effort to do better and be activists for a better future for black people worldwide.

"If we become complacent on these issues, things don't change and it's time that Hereford are made aware on racial issues, are enlightened to educate others and to speak out.

"Of course this protest will all be done following social distancing rules and wearing protective clothing."

Tens of thousands of people have joined nightly protests across the US since the death, with at least 1,600 people arrested in 22 cities as some demonstrations descended into violence.

A police officer has been sacked and charged with third-degree murder following Mr Floyd's death.

On Sunday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said video footage of Mr Floyd's death was "very distressing", but he would not comment on President Donald Trump's response to the widespread protests sparked by the killing.