A jury in the US have found a former police officer guilty of murder over the death of George Floyd last May.

Derek Chauvin, 45, was filmed kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes during his arrest in Minneapolis.

Chauvin was found guilty, yesterday, on three charges: second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.

He will be held in custody until sentencing. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “appalled by the death of George Floyd and welcome this verdict”, adding in a tweet that his thoughts were with Mr Floyd’s family and friends.

Mr Floyd’s murder prompted Black Lives Matter protests which spread across the globe last summer, including here in Worcester, where protesters gathered on Pitchcroft. 

British police have been heavily criticised over the years over its disproportionate use of powers, such as stop and search and use of force, on black and ethnic minority people.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has led calls for ‘real change’ following the conviction.

Mr Khan tagged his Twitter post “#BlackLivesMatter” and said his “thoughts are with George Floyd’s loves” after Derek Chauvin, 45, was found guilty of the murder and manslaughter of Mr Floyd by a jury in Minneapolis.

“I welcome the verdict but by itself this won’t heal the pain of their loss, which reverberated around the world. The guilty verdict must be the beginning of real change – not the end,” the mayor added.

His words were echoed by British F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, who tweeted the verdict was “monumental” and marked “a new dawn”.

“Today’s outcome is a sombre victory for George and his family, but it shows that our efforts to promote justice are not in vain,” Mr Hamilton wrote.

“Black voices have been heard and action is happening. When we stand together, we can make a difference.”