Rutland MP Alicia Kearns has defended UK police after they were violently attacked during protests in London.

More than 13 people were arrested on Wednesday night as protesters, who were campaigning against the killing of George Floyd by police in the USA, used violence against London police in Westminster.

Earlier that day, some members of London Police had knelt before the protesters in a gesture of solidarity to show they too opposed the killing of Mr Floyd in Minneapolis and racism in general.

The 46-year-old black man died after a white police officer knelt on his neck when he was arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit $20 bill.

Mrs Kearns made her comments on twitter, referring to a Sky News report saying protesters in London 'confronted' police.

The MP said: "Confronted is not correct term. Our police should not be "confronted" over actions of police on another continent

"I support peaceful demonstrations

"Our police didn't provoke crowd.They deserve utmost respect for response to being goaded & attacked by those subverting protests."

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The MP later retweeted a link showing young people being 'berated' by a supporter of the protests for cleaning up a memorial after it had been defaced during the protests.