A BLACK Lives Matter rally will be held in Durham's Market Place on Saturday with police advising demonstrators to adhere to Covid-19 restrictions.

The event will be held from 1pm to 4pm, with organisers urging people to wear gloves, marks and bring along anti-bacterial gel.

The event comes as thousands of anti-racism campaigners have rallied in Britain and across the US following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis by police.

A Durham Police spokesman said: “We understand people may want to make their voices heard. We will, as always, uphold their right to a peaceful protest while ensuring there is as little disruption to the local community as possible.

“We would, however, like to remind everybody that coronavirus remains a deadly disease and there are still restrictions in place to prevent its spread, which include not gathering outside in groups of more than six people.

“As we have throughout this health crisis, we will engage, explain and encourage people to act lawfully. In the vast majority of cases people choose to do the right thing. Enforcement options are available to us but we see them as a last resort.”

Alan Patrickson, Durham County Council’s corporate director for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “We have been made aware of a planned Black Lives Matter event in Durham City on Saturday and are liaising with police.

"We would strongly advise anyone thinking of attending to ensure they comply with coronavirus social distancing guidance and stay two metres from anyone from outside their household at all times.”

Meanwhile the organiser of a Black Lives Matter protest in Newcastle has revealed he moved it online amid fears social distancing would be "almost impossible to maintain".