A PEACEFUL demonstration in support of the Black Lives Matter movement took place in Abingdon this afternoon.

Following several similar events across Oxfordshire over the last week protestors, armed with poignant banners, gathered at Abbey Meadows, near the Ruins Field, at 1pm.

They came together in solidarity with the black community to speak out against police brutality and racial discrimination as part of the BLM movement.

With the demonstration activists wanted to urge local authorities to include racial justice in the government's agenda.

One activist Neda May said: "As a member of the BAME community, I really struggled with racism when I arrived in this country.

"As a child, I could not fully comprehend why adults treated me differently to my peers.

"The importance of micro-racism that lies in between the lines of banter contributes to a systematic problem, and gives permission to certain radical people to hurt and harm valued members of the community, who exist here in Abingdon."

Councillor Neil Fawcett praised the spirited demonstrators and spoke on behalf of Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran.

Those who took part were encouraged to wear face masks and remain two metres apart.