32 arrested during London protests ahead of G20 summit

Source: Xinhua | 04-02-2009 08:07

LONDON, April 1 (Xinhua) -- A total of 32 people were arrested on Wednesday during protests across the London on the eve of the G20 summit.

Latest police information showed that by 7 p.m. on Wednesday evening, five were arrested under public order act, two for breaching of peace, three for aggravated burglary or arson on Royal Bank of Scotland building, one for criminal damage, and 12 for possession of police uniform or drugs. Others were detained for offensive weapon, threatening behavior, obstruction of police or highway.

Earlier on Wednesday afternoon, police arrested 23 after demonstration in the City run out of control when some protesters started smashing windows of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Thousands of people gathered outside Bank of England, Royal Exchange and Royal Bank of Scotland in the financial center of London and set camp there to express their anger at the "irresponsible," "reckless" fat-cat bankers who pocket fat bonuses even when banks were plunged into difficulty.

Tons of sand were dumped for children to launch their "sand protest" as campaigners spread out tents and sleeping bags to show there concerns about climate change.

On the eve of the G20 summit, environmentalists, anti-capitalism as well anti-war activists were joined by anarchists to stage an "unprecedented" scale of protest aimed at paralyzing London.

The protest was quite peaceful in the first three hours when the streets became a party ground with protesters dancing, singing, walking around with their slogans.

However, when police started to ring in the protesters not allowing them out or in, some started to smash windows.

Earlier Simon O'Brien, commander of the Metropolitan Police said the London G20 summit has attracted "significant and unprecedented protest" from different quarters.

"This (G20) is the biggest, most challenging and complicated police operation," said Simon O'Brien, commander of the Metropolitan Police at a press briefing here on Monday afternoon.

Despite the challenges, O'Brien assured the public: "We have the most experienced police officers in charge who are well-rehearsed in tactics," adding the Met Police deal with 4,500 similar demonstrations every year.

"We're up to the operation and up for the operation," he added.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei