Greenwich Council has released a statement saying it is "appalled and outraged" by the murder of George Floyd, and has pledged to meet with BAME organisations across the borough this week.

Council leader Dan Thorpe stated that the borough "stands in solidarity with our residents and those across the world who are understandably angry, distressed and grieving for his loss."

George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was arrested on May 25 by Minneapolis police officers who accused him of buying cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill.

One officer was filmed kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck in a video seen across the world, and the unarmed man died as he pleaded "I can't breathe."

His death has sparked protests and riots in America, and now peaceful activism in the UK as people join in solidarity with campaigners in the US.

Groups of protests gathered in Peckham for a Black Lives Matter march on Saturday, with several arrested.

In a statement, Greenwich Council's leader said he extended his deep and heartfelt condolences to his family and all who knew him.

Greenwich has experience with the tragic death of an innocent black man - Stephen Lawrence was a teenager from Plumstead when he was murdered in a racially aggravated attack in Eltham.

Cllr Thorpe said: "As a borough, we have seen first hand the truly devastating impact racism can have on our communities and we reaffirm our commitment to eradicating racism in our society.

"It is clear that the fight for equality is far from won, and we need to be honest about the inequalities that exist across the world, and indeed within our communities.

"Last year, the Council worked with the Runnymede Trust so we could get an independent assessment of how we were doing as a borough.

"The hard truth is that the outcomes for our BAME residents in some areas, such as education, housing and involvement with the police still raise serious concerns.

"Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, we had been working with schools, the police and a wide range of partners to tackle these injustices."

The council said: "We are absolutely determined to do all that we can to eradicate racism in our society.

"We have worked for many decades with local people and our police to build strong ties to strengthen our community - we renew our commitment to that work today."

Tomorrow, June 3, the council says it will be meeting with BAME organisations across the borough to listen to their concerns.

The council will also explain the work its already doing in Greenwich, particularly on the Covid-19 response which has had a massively disproportionate impact on BAME residents.

"Each and every one of us has a role to play in the fight against discrimination and hatred.

"From tragedy must come change and we are committed to leading that change."