Agents hold White House intruder

Agents stopped the man half way to the north entrance

Armed Secret Service agents have detained a man who jumped the perimeter fence surrounding the White House and entered the grounds.

The agents drew their weapons to stop the man about half way between the perimeter fence and the north entrance to the presidential residence.

Mr Bush leaves for North Carolina on Thursday

The man, who entered the grounds at about 0940 local time (1440 GMT), was handcuffed and led away.

President George W Bush was not in the White House at the time. He was delivering a speech in North Carolina.

Secret Service spokesman Brian Marr said: ''An individual black male came over the fence on Pennsylvania Avenue and was taken into custody by Secret Service uniform division officers and is currently being interviewed by agents from the service."

Not at home

The man had reportedly thrown an item into the fountain on the White House's North Lawn before climbing over the fence, a second Secret Service spokesman, John Gill, said.

Mr Gill declined to describe the item but said it was not dangerous.

The man was to be charged later with illegal entry, Mr Gill said.

The Secret Service provides personal protection for the president.