Cornwall's police chief has called for anyone organising a vigil and demonstration following the death of George Floyd to contact them first so that the "core message" is not lost amid the coronavirus threat.

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said that communities had been left "angry and outraged" at what had taken place in Minneapolis, USA, when police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on the neck of African-American man Mr Floyd, who was handcuffed and lying face down on a city street.

His knee remained there for eight minutes and 46 seconds, despite Floyd’s repeated pleas of “I can’t breathe” – two minutes and 53 seconds of that time occurred after Floyd became unresponsive. He died in custody.

Since then there have been protests across America and yesterday in London also.

What is desecribed as a "peaceful protest" is also being organised at Truro's Lemon Quay this Sunday afternoon, with around 2,000 people currently indiciating their intention to attend. 

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CC Sawyer said this morning: "The death of George Floyd has left his family, loved ones and friends devastated and heartbroken.

"Communities in the United States, here in the United Kingdom and across the world are angry and outraged. For some members of our community, those feelings will also be heightened as they perceive they are not wanted or safe in the places where they live and raise their families.

"This is a time for communities and individuals to overtly speak out in support of those from Black and Ethnic Minority communities, to reaffirm our collective rejection of racism and hate."

However, he urged anyone wishing to show their support publicly to to contact police first, to prevent them going against the ongoing coronavirus restrictions to prevent further spread of disease.

CC Sawyer added: "As a force, we ask that anyone organising a vigil or demonstration contact us in order that we can help facilitate that expression of feeling, which occurs at a time of a public health crisis.

"I believe it essential that the core message of standing up against hate and racism does not become lost by behaviours that may be commented upon in respect of Covid-19, when such a tragic and significant moment has affected so many people in this country and worldwide.

"Racism and all forms of discrimination undermine our common humanity and are not acceptable in any civilised society. As a force, that is our approach yet we understand that we are not perfect and have always sought to listen and learn from experiences as well as the views of all our communities."

He said the approach of officers in Cornwall and Devon had always placed importance of community, while making sure policing was maintained.

"That is why, collectively as a force, we align ourselves with those who wish to express their feelings and community intention in a peaceful but clear manner," he said.

And he added: "Our experiences here in Cornwall and Devon during the early stages of Covid-19 saw communities come together to find the positives from tragedy, to reach out to each other and challenge negative behaviour.

"Sadly, we also saw abusive and negative attitudes in some parts of this force area which was challenged by a coalition of partners, including this force."