HUNDREDS of protesters are expected to rally in Southend to demonstrate against racism and inequality following the “appalling” death of George Floyd at the hands of police in America.

The campaigners will join together for a nine-minute “kneeling silence” at the Forum, Elmer Square, Elmer Avenue, Southend tomorrow from 3pm.

The protest follows a small-scale demonstration in Southend outside the town’s magistrates’ court, in Victoria Avenue, on Tuesday.

Mr Floyd died while in police custody in Minneapolis on Monday, May 25.

Protests began after a video showed the 46-year-old being arrested.

During his arrest, a white police officer continued to kneel on his neck even after he pleaded that he could not breathe.

Four officers have been charged in relation to his death.

Sam Adams, co-organiser of the Southend protests, said there had been a huge response in south Essex with hundreds pledging their support to tomorrow’s demonstration.

She said: “We will be observing a nine-minute kneeling silence, then we have some invited speakers.

“We have had an incredible response and are now expecting the numbers to be in the hundreds.

“We are making the event as safe as possible by marking out two-metre distanced spaces for people, providing masks for those who don’t have one, and will have hand sanitizer available.

“As the event has grown in numbers, which we didn’t expect, we will be carrying out a site visit to assess the size and risk element.

“If necessary we may need to move venue.”

On Tuesday evening, a small group responded to the national call out from Stand Up To Racism at 6pm.

They ‘took the knee’ outside the court in Victoria Avenue in Southend and held a nine-minute silence in remembrance of George Floyd and all those who have lost their lives to systemic police brutality and racism across the world, including the UK.

Ms Adams said Tuesday’s demonstration went down well in the community.

She added: “The protest was well received by passers-by and cars along Victoria Avenue with the sounding of horns and flashing of headlights.”

One officer, Derek Chauvin, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Mr Floyd’s death.

It has also been met by outrage from politicians, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying Mr Floyd’s death had been “appalling” and “inexcusable”.