Chief constables from across the UK have issued a joint statement saying they "stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified" by the way George Floyd died.

It comes as protests have erupted across the United States and the UK following his death while in police custody in Minneapolis last week.

Mr Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was filmed gasping for air while a police officer pressed a knee on his neck, when he died on May 25.

In the video, Mr Floyd can be heard saying he could not breathe.

Cardiff city centre. protest against black American lives being lost. The protesters march through The Hayes, Cardiff city centre.

In a statement, the chief constables, the chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council, the chief executive of the College of Policing and the President of the Police Superintendents' Association said: "We stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified by the way George Floyd lost his life. Justice and accountability should follow.

"We are also appalled to see the violence and damage that has happened in so many US cities since then. Our hearts go out to all those affected by these terrible events and hope that peace and order will soon be restored."

The statement said the UK has a "long established tradition of policing by consent, working in communities to prevent crime and solve problems."

"Officers are trained to use force proportionately, lawfully and only when absolutely necessary. We strive to continuously learn and improve. We will tackle bias, racism or discrimination wherever we find it," it reads.

Protesters gathered at Swansea Museum Green to stage a Black Lives Matter protest

"Policing is complex and challenging and sometimes we fall short. When we do, we are not afraid to shine a light on injustices or to be held to account," it continues.

"The relationship between the police and the public in the UK is strong but there is always more to do. Every day, up and down the country, officers and staff are working to strengthen those relationships and address concerns. Only by working closely with our communities do we build trust and help keep people safe."

It warned that while lawful protest is a key part of democracy, the pandemic remains ongoing and there are still restrictions in place to prevent its spread.

People gathering outside National Museum Wales for the "Black Lives Matter" event

"We know people want to make their voices heard...," it said.

"But coronavirus remains a deadly disease and there are still restrictions in place to prevent its spread... So for whatever reason people want to come together, we ask that people continue to work with officers at this challenging time."

In Wales, there remains no cap on the number of people allowed to gather so long as a individuals are from no more than two households and a distance of two metres is maintained. The legislation around this differs in the UK's other nations.

The statement comes as thousands of protesters have gathered in Hyde Park in London for a Black Lives Matter protest this afternoon. It's one of several planned across the UK in the coming days.