Councils have lit up public buildings with purple lights as a show of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Protests against police racism and brutality have spread from America to London after George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis on May 25.

In a show of support, Redbridge Council and Waltham Forest Council have both shone purple light on council buildings.

Redbridge Council lit up Ilford Town Hall on the evening of June 2, while Waltham Forest followed suit on June 3 by lighting up the Magistrates Court.

Redbridge Council leader Jas Athwal said: “The impact of George Floyd’s death has been felt across the world.

“In Redbridge we are proud of our diversity and our communities have always stood together as one, it’s our greatest strength.

“That’s why we have come together to say there is no place for racism or hatred in our borough, in our country or across the world.”

Waltham Forest leader Clare Coghill said: “The horrific and tragic killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week has shaken us all. Black lives matter and we stand shoulder to shoulder against racism and hate.

"We cannot console ourselves in the UK that this is somehow unique to the United States and the understandable anger and pain show that much more is needed to be done.

“In London and across the country, huge racial disparities remain in people’s life chances as well as how they are treated by the criminal justice system.”

After more than a week’s worth of protesting, activists were able to achieve a decisive step towards justice yesterday.

The charge against Derek Chauvin, who was caught on camera kneeling on George Floyd’s neck, has been elevated to second-degree murder.

The other three officers, previously uncharged, face counts of aiding and abetting murder.

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