BOLTON is a place "which celebrates and recognises differences", Town Hall chiefs said as they released a statement following the death of George Floyd.

Mr Floyd, an unarmed African-American, was filmed struggling to breathe as a white officer knelt on his neck for nine minutes.

The death has sparked huge protests against racism and the killing of black Americans in the USA.

Black Lives Matters protests have also taken place in the UK, with demonstrations in London and Manchester.

Yesterday the leader of Bolton Council Cllr David Greenhalgh and the chief executive of the authority, Tony Oakman issued a joint statement.

It said: “Events over the past few months in the UK have taught us we have a responsibility to treat each other with fairness, decency, and respect

“The Bolton Family and the behaviour of everyone, has been a shining beacon of how we live this. During this time the Bolton population has shown kindness, humility, and acceptance. This is the strength and part of the Bolton DNA.

“Recent and sad events in America are a testament to why we must stand together with all those who reject violence and oppose racism in all its forms. We are a place which celebrates and recognises differences and long may this continue.

"Together we will continue to make our towns and borough places where everyone is welcome, is treated fairly and shown kindness.”

It was signed off with #Blacklivesmatter

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was "appalled and sickened" to see what happened to Mr Floyd, while chief constables from across the UK issued a joint statement saying they "stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified".