Perth readies for Black Lives Matter rally

Thousands of protesters will defy politicians and police by gathering in Perth for Saturday's Black Lives Matter rally.

The peaceful protest at Langley Park is designed to raise awareness of Aboriginal deaths in custody and follows similar events held around the world.

Organisers have ignored Premier Mark McGowan's pleas to delay the protest until after the coronavirus pandemic is over.

Attendees are being asked to bring their own water, face masks and hand sanitiser, and stand 1.5 metres apart if they are from different households.

Anyone who is immunocompromised or suffers from respiratory, cardiac or other chronic illness is also urged to stay home.

More than 11,000 face masks have been donated by the local Chinese community for the event.

Police Commissioner Chris Dawson has ruled out shutting down the protest but warned any violence would be met with "strong policing".