People across Scotland are being asked to show their solidarity with George Floyd on their doorsteps this evening as protests in America continue.

Anti-racism campaigners Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) are urging people to 'take the knee' on Wednesday night in a socially-distanced protest in response to the death of Floyd, who died in police custody.

The 46-year-old died last week after a police officer held him down by pressing his knee into his neck.

The US has since erupted in riots from people demanding justice, and other countries across the world have begun to take action.

People in the UK are being asked to kneel at their doorsteps at 6pm on Wednesday.

They say the demonstration has been inspired by the kneeling protests first staged by American football star Colin Kaepernick in 2016.

“We send our condolences, and stand in solidarity with all those demanding justice right now from deaths resulting from contact with the police—from Minnesota to Kirkcaldy," said Talat Ahmed, STUC's Scotland Convenor.

Helensburgh Advertiser:

"As we demand justice for George Floyd we also remember Sheku Bayoh, who like Floyd said, 'I can't breathe,' while being brutally restrained by police five years ago here in Scotland.

"We welcome the First Minister's support for the Black Lives Matter movement. But we also support the call from the Scottish Trades Union Congress's Black Workers' Committee on the Scottish government for more openness about the impact of coronavirus on BAME communities here in Scotland.

"We call on Scottish MPs to back the EDM at Westminster for a public inquiry into the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities."

Several protests had been organised throughout Scotland, however First Minister Nicola Sturgeon advised protesters to avoid large groups.

Ms Sturgeon backed the Black Lives Matter movement, saying she sympathised with those looking to protest, but warned of the risks involved with gathering due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

She said: "Right now, it is the case, unfortunately, and regrettably, that large gatherings of people could pose a risk to health and indeed to life.

"Unfortunately, that's the case whether it is a peaceful protest or a football match or any other gathering where people are coming together in close proximity.

"What I would say to those who want to protest, and I say this as an ally and supporter, is that we need to find ways of allowing people to make their voices heard and to make the points that many of us want to be made and to be heard right now but to do so in a way that is safe and is not putting people protesting or wider communities at risk."