Statue of John A. Macdonald, Canada�s first prime minister, is seen on the ground after it was pulled down during a protest against racial inequality, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada August 29, 2020 in this picture obtained from social media. (Via Reuters)

A statue of Canada�s first Prime Minister Sir John Macdonald was toppled in downtown Montreal by protesters marching in support of defunding police, government officials said.

Protesters in Montreal toppled a statue of Canada�s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, amid demonstrations calling for reduction in police funding. https://t.co/6VvMlMcMLS pic.twitter.com/poDuJX5yWs

— ABC News (@ABC) August 31, 2020

The incident occurred at the end of a peaceful march on Saturday when a group of people climbed the monument and pulled down the statue, causing the head to fly off, according to video posted on social media.

Calls to defund the police have been growing across the United States and Canada, after a spate of violent incidents involving police.

The death of George Floyd, a Black man, while in the custody of Minneapolis police in May sparked global protests about racial inequality and police brutality, and renewed pledges from some to fight racism.

In June, a video showing a forceful arrest of a Canadian indigenous leader by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police raised questions about the use of force by the police.

The statue of Macdonald has been the site of repeated acts of graffiti in recent years, and it has often been covered in red paint.

Saturday�s incident drew quick condemnation from political leaders.

(Source: Reuters)