LONDON, U.K. - Trouble continued to flare late into the night as hundreds of people attempted to hijack yesterday's massive anti government cuts demonstration in central London. Riot police fought activists in Trafalgar Square as violent protesters threatened to overshadow the TUC rally in Hyde Park which had earlier passed off peacefully.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said between 200 and 300 people had gathered at the landmark location late this evening.- He said: 'A large number from the crowd are throwing missiles and have attempted to damage the Olympic clock within the square.
In stark contrast, the daytime demonstration was hailed a 'fantastic success' by trade unions as people from across the UK marched through central London. Organisers estimated between 400,000 and 500,000 teachers, nurses, firefighters, council and NHS workers, other public sector employees, students, pensioners and campaign groups converged on the capital.
Union officials and Labour leader Ed Miliband condemned the 'brutal' cuts in jobs and services. But during the good-natured protest hundreds of activists not connected with the union rally clashed with police in the West End.Officers were attacked as they tried to stop demonstrators smashing their way into banks and shops.
- The protesters surged along Piccadilly, Regent Street and Oxford Street, chanting 'welfare not warfare' as they blocked traffic and forced shops to close. Paint, fireworks and flares were thrown at buildings, while the outnumbered police were attacked with large pieces of wood.
Branches of HSBC, RBS, Santander and Topshop were among those to have their windows smashed. Scotland Yard said lightbulbs filled with ammonia were also thrown at their officers. The police often had to step aside as the activists continued their destruction late into the evening.
Campaign group UK Uncut claimed around 200 of its supporters forced themselves into luxury store Fortnum and Mason - known as the Queen's grocer. A spokesman for the demonstrators said the target was chosen because 'they dodge tens of millions in tax'.
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