Video search to find rioters as clean-up begins

More than 200 people were in custody last night after trouble flared in the centre of the capital following a rally where hundreds of thousands protested against the Government’s public spending cuts.

A clean-up operation began in the early hours of yesterday after activists clashed with riot police in Trafalgar Square in the wake of the main TUC rally in Hyde Park, which had passed off peacefully.

Up to 300 people gathered at the landmark location late into Saturday night, with some throwing missiles and attempting to damage the 2012 Olympic countdown clock.

The words “fightback” and “Tory scum” were scrawled on one of the four bronze lions, while a placard demanding “hands off Libya” was placed high on the statue of King Charles I.

Scottish football fans, who were in London to watch their side take on Brazil at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, surveyed what was left of the damage yesterday and said it had spoilt their sightseeing.

Residential home support worker Colin Shepherd, 37, from Glasgow, said: “I’m all for peaceful protests, but not rioting.”

Shops in Oxford Street were hit by angry demonstrators, and high-pressure water jets were used to remove paint and broken glass which covered the pavements.

John and Patricia Williamson, from Whitehaven, Cumbria, were visiting London to see a West End show. They condemned the damage for its effect on the UK’s reputation.

Mr Williams, 60, said: “I think it’s embarrassing for the country. There’s so many tourists here. What are they going to think?”

Cleaners were also brought in to scrub graffiti at Fortnum and Mason, while the front of The Ritz also underwent repairs.