A CROWD of people gathered despite the rain to stand against police brutality in Nigeria.

Protesters gathered at Southampton Guildhall yesterday afternoon to protest a police unit known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Daily Echo:

Despite the heavy rain and strong winds, people chanted, held banners and played music in the square.

Demonstrations have been taking place in Lagos, Nigeria over the past two weeks calling for the abolition of SARS which has faced criticism for being violent.

Daily Echo:

Human rights group Amnesty International said several protestors have been shot and killed by soldiers in the protests.

Several celebrities including Beyoncé have called for an end to the unit and the “senseless brutality taking place in Nigeria.”

Daily Echo:

An online group called 'End SARS Southampton' asked people to “stand in solidarity with Nigerians fighting against SARS and bad governance” by meeting outside the O2 Guildhall o between 3pm and 6pm.