A WOMAN has described her horror after seeing a picture which appears to show three North-East teenagers imitate the death of George Floyd.

The picture, which was reportedly taken using Snapchat in Gateshead, appears to show two males mocking the death of Mr Floyd.

Mr Floyd died last Monday after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on his neck while restraining him.

Today, Northumbria Police confirmed it had arrested two 19-year-old men and one 18-year-old on suspicion of sending communications causing anxiety and distress.

The force, which has said it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the image, said it had caused "significant upset" over social media.

But speaking to The Northern Echo, one woman said she "cried for hours" after seeing the alleged re-enactment.

The woman said: "We all know about the situation, the brutal, unjust and heartbreaking death of George Floyd.

"Why would these boys make a mockery of something like this. It's so hurtful.

"Not just as a black woman but as a human being, I cried for hours and even in writing the email.

"This is not right, they are hurting people even more than they are already.

"It's painful, and words can't describe how I feel and so many other people I'm sure, to see them making a mockery of the situation."

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said the three teenagers had since been released on bail.

It said: "We understand that this social media post has caused significant upset and we want to reassure the public it is being investigated robustly and is being treated as a hate crime."