Oxford graduate Sasha Johnson, critically injured in a shooting, rose to prominence in the city's Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd.

The mother-of-three and graduate of Ruskin College is in a critical condition in hospital after being shot in the head at the weekend.

Oxford Stand Up to Racism said: "It is with shock and great sadness that we receive the news that the well-known anti-racist activist Sasha Johnson was shot in the head and critically wounded.

Read again: Sasha Johnson in critical condition after being shot

"Sasha came to prominence as a leading figure in the Oxford Black Lives Matter protests that erupted after the murder of George Floyd, and is known for her passion in the fight for justice for people facing racism.

"Our thoughts are with Sasha and her family, and we hope she makes a full and speedy recovery."

Hundreds of people took part in a Black Lives Matter demonstration in South Park in Oxford in June 2020.

Many people wore gloves and face masks at the socially-distanced demonstration, which had been moved from Bonn Square due to the expected high demand.

Protesters raised placards as a host of speakers addressed the crowd, with similar scenes taking place in cities across the UK.

Among those to stand up and talk was Gary Smith from Bicester, also known as DJG, who implored protesters 'not to be pushed down in any way, shape or form.'

Demonstrations were held across the world after the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis, America, on May 25.

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Oxford University PhD student, Leah Crowder, also spoke at the protest and the 22-year-old American was encouraged by the turnout.

She said at the time: "The George Floyd murder sparked the biggest civil rights movement in the United States since the 1960s.

"More importantly, it has sparked worldwide solidarity, with protests on six continents.

"The reason that happened, I believe, is because all of these countries experience intense, systemic racism and people are challenging the systems in their own countries."

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The demonstration attracted a host of younger protesters, including 16-year-old Caitlin Brookes, from Oxford.

She said at the demo: "I felt it was important because racism in Britain is never talked about.

"We talk about it as if it's this far-off thing and I think it's really important for everybody to show their support and educate yourselves."

Ross McLeod, a 24-year-old research assistant living in the city, added at the demo: "I think it's important to stand up for human rights all over the world."

Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, backed the socially-distanced event, despite being unable to attend.

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She had signed a cross-party letter calling on the government to halt the sale of tear gas, rubber bullets and riot shields to the United States.

The demonstration drew some criticism for endangering social distancing guidelines.