Thousands of people took the knee for George Floyd in London today as protests spread across Britain.

Demonstrators descended on Parliament Square in Westminster earlier following the tragic death of the 46-year-old in the US.

During a minute's silence hundreds of protesters went down on one knee while raising one fist in the air.

The crowds then began chanting "no justice, no peace" and George Floyd's name.

Pictures showed the majority of demonstrates wearing face masks, with others using gloves and hand sanitiser.

Hundreds held signs at the protest in solidarity with George, who died in Minneapolis on May 25 after a police officer detaining him knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes as fellow officers stood by.

A minute's silence was held for George Floyd while demonstrators take a knee (
Image:
Dafydd Owen/Avalon)

Many signs say "black lives matter" and "no justice, no peace".

As the rally began in London, one organiser used a megaphone to tell the crowds: "We are not here for violence. Today is sheer positivity, today is sheer love."

She added: "Today we will not commit any violence to anyone."

The poignant scene in London (
Image:
Paul Marriott)
Protesters 'take the knee' at The Black Lives Matter protest (
Image:
Paul Marriott)

Protesters were also reminded to try and keep a two metre distance from others where possible and to be mindful of the pandemic.

A group of drummers played for the crowds in London, many of whom were carrying placards and dancing in time with the beat.

Elsewhere, huge crowds of people are also gathered in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester holding placards and banners.

Parliament Square in central London on Saturday (
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
Demonstrators hold placards as they attend a protest march to the US Embassy in London (
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)

Protests are also taking part around Cambridgeshire, where people appear to be social distancing while taking part.

Many have gathered in Cathedral Square, Peterborough, with a huge sign seen saying 'silence is compliance'.

Protests have been held across the world, demanding justice for Floyd and against police brutality.

Thousands took to the streets in Australia on Saturday, and hundreds in Japan.

Protestors 'take the knee' at The Black Lives Matter protest in London gathered in Parliament Square (
Image:
Paul Marriott)

In Brisbane, police estimated 10,000 people joined a peaceful protest, wearing masks and holding "Black Lives Matter" placards.

Many wrapped themselves in indigenous flags, calling for an end to police mistreatment of indigenous Australians.

TV Helicopter pics show massed crowd in Parliament Square Westminster for the Black Lives Matter protest (
Image:
pixel8000)

In Sydney, a last-minute court decision overruled a coronavirus ban as several thousand people marched, amid a heavy police presence, chanting: "Whose lives matter? Black Lives matter."

Rallies were also held in Melbourne, Adelaide and other Australian cities.

Demonstrations were expected in South Korea with a virtual rally in Thailand.

Demonstrations, however, were limited by social-distancing curbs aiming at stopping the  coronavirus  pandemic.

Police in Northern Ireland were conducting checks on roads and at transport hubs ahead of planned anti-racism protests.