A SILENT march through Andover has been organised for today (Saturday) to ‘stand in solidarity with the rest of the world’ after the death of George Floyd.

The peaceful protest comes after the death of Mr Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, when a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, sparking days of protests in cities across the country and overseas.

Those protests have since made their way to the UK, with multiple events taking place across the country, including as close to home as Basingstoke this past week.

Now residents of Andover are showing their support to the Black Lives Matter movement, and have organised a peaceful protest which is due to begin at midday.

A post detailing the event on social media read: “Join us this Saturday for a silent march to show our society that enough is enough, racism won’t be ignored any longer.

“To stand in solidarity with the rest of the world grieving the mindless killings of innocent black men, women and children. To make a promise that we will educate ourselves, and make a better future for our communities in the fight against racism.”

The plan is for attendees to meet at the car park for Andover College, in Marlborough Street, at 11.45am.

The march will begin at midday, heading towards the high street, down onto Bridge street, past the Town Mills and Waterloo Court, then back via West Street to the college car park.

Attendees are advised to wear all black and bring posters. They are also urged to remember to keep at least two metres apart, with face masks recommended.

Borough council leader, Councillor Phil North commented on the protests this morning, reminding those planning to protest that they must obey social distancing guidelines.