George Floyd protests: Thousands travel to Houston to bid farewell in final memorial services

Thousands of people have arrived in Houston to pay tribute to George Floyd in his hometown after his death sparked a wave of protests across the US and beyond.

The public viewing at the Fountain of Praise church in southeast Houston, Texas, marks the last of three public memorial services for the 46-year-old before he is laid to rest in a private funeral on Tuesday.

Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential candidate, will meet with Mr Floyd's family in Houston later on Monday.

Mr Biden, the former US vice president, is also expected to attend Mr Floyd's private funeral service on Tuesday.

A demonstrator reads messages left in front of the White House's recently erected security fence now turned into a memorial against police brutality and the death of George Floyd - AFP
A demonstrator reads messages left in front of the White House's recently erected security fence now turned into a memorial against police brutality and the death of George Floyd - AFP

Meanwhile back in Minneapolis, Derek Chauvin, the former officer who dug his knee into Mr Floyd's neck until he became immobile, appeared before a judge for the first time on Monday charged with Mr Floyd's murder.

A judge set his bail at $1 million with conditions or $1.25 million without conditions.

Follow the latest updates below.