Anti-racism activists are calling for six officers who pinned a black Lewisham woman to the ground as she shouted "I can't breathe" to be suspended.

Campaigners from Stand Up to Racism are holding a socially distanced protest outside Lewisham Police Station at 6pm tomorrow, after footage emerged showing the controversial arrest of Kamyimsola Olatunjoye, 28, on May 9.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct, as critics accuse the officers involved of using excessive force.

Harold Wilson, spokesperson for Stand Up To Racism South East London, said: "We shall be highlighting the excessive force and thug-like behaviour of six Met Police officers who vigorously pinned a solitary black woman to the ground, ignoring her pleas that she couldn't breathe.

"We shall raise the question of the assault on that black woman whilst she was restrained by six officers.

"We want to know if that type of excessive restraint falls within police procedures, and we demanding that the Independent Office of Police Conduct suspend all the officers involved until the outcome.

"If they don't then we may well stage a series of protests outside their premises too.

"Finally, we shall be drawing the obvious parallels with George Floyd in the US, as part of a Day of solidarity being shown across the UK.

The video appears to show an female officer punching Ms Olatunjoye multiple times as she shouts "release your arm".

Ms Olatunjoye, of Alleford Road, Lewisham, was charged with obstructing a drugs search.

Police say a matter of assaulting an emergency worker was not proceeded with.

She was travelling as a passenger in a car that failed to stop for police, Scotland Yard said.

The driver, Carlton Ireland, 46, of Hither Green, was charged with drink-driving.

The footage came to light after dozens of protestors took to the streets of Peckham at the weekend, following the death of a black man at the hands of police in the US, who was recorded pleading "I can't breathe" as he suffocated with the knee of an officer on his neck.

Wednesday's protest will be socially-distanced, with markings on the ground separating people. 

Protestors have been asked to bring masks and gloves, and hand sanitiser will be available. 

A spokesperson for the police said: "Officers on proactive patrol in Lewisham on Saturday, May 9, attempted to stop a vehicle on Lewisham High Street at 23:05hrs.

"The vehicle attempted to make off after officers signalled for it to stop. It became blocked and the male driver and female passenger were detained.

"Both were searched under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and subsequently arrested.

"Police are aware of videos circulating on social media showing the arrest and are liaising with local community groups and forums to discuss any concerns that they might have regarding this incident.

"The matter has since been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct."