Three held during protests in London against G8 summit

A building was occupied by demonstrators in Soho and there was a stand-off between protesters and police in Piccadilly as officers blocked access to Fortnum & Mason. The shop was targeted during protests against Government cuts in 2011.

The strong Metropolitan Police deployment was an attempt to keep the action under control. Officers dramatically forced their way into the occupied building, a former police site, on Beak Street at lunchtime.

Television footage showed officers in climbing gear trying to secure the roof, bundling a protester who sprang on to the rooftop on to his front.

About two dozen protesters also gathered outside the BP headquarters in St James’s Square amid a heavy police presence.

Police said there was intelligence to suggest paint bombs and shields could be used against horses and officers in Westminster and the City of London.

Powers to stop and search in anticipation of violence and to require the removal of disguises were authorised.

Scotland Yard also said that officers were given a search warrant for a building in Beak Street where it was believed protesters might have weapons.

The force confirmed that no group had tried to liaise with them about yesterday’s demonstrations.

The group StopG8 branded the action, held ahead of next week’s two-day G8 summit in Northern Ireland, a “Carnival against Capitalism”.

The leaders of the world’s eight wealthiest countries, including Russian president Vladimir Putin and German chancellor Angela Merkel, are due to meet in Co Fermanagh.

US president Barack Obama is also due to visit parts of Belfast.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: “Peaceful protest is a vital part of a democratic society, providing it is conducted within the law. But protesters’ rights need to be balanced with the rights of others to go about their business without fear of intimidation or serious disruption to the community.