Anthony Joshua has shown his support for the Black Lives Matter movement by attending a protest march in his hometown.

The WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight champion took to the streets of Watford on Saturday to campaign following the controversial death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Hundreds of demonstrators joined Joshua in the peaceful protest, which involved two separate walks through Watford's town centre.

At one stage Joshua addressed those on the march by speaking over a microphone.

He was wearing a hooded jumper with 'Black Lives Matter' written across the front, like a number of other people on the march.

Watford Observer:

Many people wore masks and social distancing measures were encouraged during events in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Sheffield and Newcastle, among other cities.

At Friday's coronavirus news briefing, Mr Hancock warned people against joining the demonstrations this weekend, pointing out "we're still facing a health crisis and coronavirus remains a real threat".

But people wanted to show solidarity with those in the US campaigning against police brutality following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

>> WATCH ANTHONY JOSHUA'S MESSAGE TO WATFORD OBSERVER READERS HERE

They also highlighted incidents when black and ethnic minority people in Britain have been victims of racial discrimination and violence at the hands of police and others.

In a speech shared online, 30-year-old Joshua told people in Watford: "We can no longer sit back and remain silent on this senseless, unlawful killings and sly racism on another human being - based on what? Only their skin colour.

"We need to speak out in peaceful demonstrations - just like today, so well done Watford.

"We must not use a demonstration for selfish motives and turn it into rioting and looting."

In London, most demonstrators who gathered in Parliament Square wore masks and face coverings, with some opting for gloves.

Placards carried by demonstrators referenced the coronavirus crisis, with one saying: "There is a virus greater than Covid-19 and it's called racism."

As the rally began, one organiser used a megaphone to tell the crowds: "We are not here for violence.

"Today is sheer positivity, today is sheer love."

out and organising themselves, handing out masks and working with the police."

Watford Observer:

She took a photo of one of the police officers who had taken off his helmet during the silence for Mr Floyd.

Meanwhile, an online protest organised by Stand Up To Racism - North East drew an audience of several thousand, who listened to speakers including Janet Alder, whose brother Christopher died in police custody in Hull in 1998.

In Sheffield, hundreds of people gathered on Devonshire Green to protest and hold a minute's silence.

During the gathering, which included speeches, they chanted: "No justice, no peace, no racist police."