Third time unlucky for Eye

Wheel trespassers seek publicity for political causes

Security at the London Eye has been defended by its owners after a protest forced the evacuation of 600 people from the giant wheel.

Wednesday's demonstration is the third by political protesters who have targeted the high-profile observation wheel to attract attention to their causes.

The latest incident saw more than 20 people occupy two pods for more than four hours in protest against the treatment of inmates in Turkish jails.

Anti-dam protestors targeted the Eye

However, a British Airways spokeswoman defended security at the company's attraction.

"The security measures that we have in place at the attraction are the result of extensive consultation carried out with the police and advice from other organisations that run major attractions around the world."

The 450-ft wheel, which offers tourists a view of up to 25 miles across south east England, was targeted in August by a campaigner protesting about sanctions against Iraq.

He tied himself to the rim of the wheel for 30 minutes before being talked down by police.

In October 1999, a group climbed to the top of the wheel, which was still under construction, to demonstrate against dam projects in Spain and India.