THURROCK'S Black Minority and Ethnic (BME)group has welcomed the guilty verdict delivered in America yesterday on former policeman Derek Chauvin who was convicted of the murder of black man George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes.

The death prompted outrage across America and the wider world and sparked the Black Lives Matter movement.

Yesterday's verdict has been widely welcomed, not least in Thurrock.

Thurrock's BME group made the following statement: "We are delighted that justice has prevailed in this murder of a black man in police custody.

"We hope that this ruling will be an inflection point in the treatment of Black, Asian and minority members of Thurrock community.

"That they be treated equally by law enforcement representatives in Thurrock and the UK.

"According to Government reports the UK is still a place where a black man is six times more likely to be stopped and searched by the police."

Former councillor and borough mayor Tunde Ojetola added: "Thurrock BME is working with the police to tackle this inequality with the aim to improving this community for all residents.

"The new Fairness and Equality Challenge Group exists to ensure we can challenge any inequality. The next meeting is in June and is open to all minority residents of Thurrock.

"For more info about the Challenge Group, contact Thurrock BME via [email protected]."