Hundreds of Chilean supporters of former military leader Augusto Pinochet have arrived in London, where the general is awaiting a decision on whether or not proceedings to extradite him to Spain can start.

General Pinochet's supporters say that on Tuesday they will present a letter to British prime minister Tony Blair, arguing that the general should be returned to Chile on health grounds.

The British Home Secretary Jack Straw has until Friday 11 December to make his decision.