A meeting in support of the Black Lives Matter movement was held outside Enfield Civic Centre on Tuesday (June 9).

The hour-long event was organised by Mayor of Enfield Kate Anolue and included speeches and a minute’s silence.

Around 50 people attended, including councillors and religious leaders from St Andrews Church, Enfield, Enfield Revival Church and Rumi Mosque, Edmonton.

The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 sparked a wave of demonstrations across the US and around the world.

Former police officer Derek Chauvin – who was filmed kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes – was subsequently charged with second degree murder, while three other former officers were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.

All four officers were fired by the police the day after the incident.

Protests in recent weeks have seen many demonstrators rally in support of Black Lives Matter – a human rights movement that campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people.

Enfield Council Leader Cllr Nesil Caliskan (Labour, Jubilee) said: “I was proud to attend the Black Lives Matter event organised by Enfield Council on Tuesday. As a society we have a duty to stand up for those who are mistreated and who are not afforded the same opportunities as the rest of society. We are absolutely committed to equality and equity in all its forms.

“Enfield Council is completely opposed to all forms of discrimination and champions change and reconciliation – both within the council and within the wider community. Nobody should ever experience harassment or violence because of who they are and we will not rest until we have built a more just society.”