Clashes in summit city

Hundreds of police acted to quell the trouble

Riot police have clashed with environmental activists on the streets of Birmingham, where world leaders are gathered for the G8 summit.

Bottles were thrown and scuffles broke out following a demonstration by members of the anti-car group, Reclaim the Streets. The group had been calling for a reduction in the number of cars in Birmingham.

One police officer was injured and more than 30 people were arrested during violent scenes at the city's Bull Ring Centre.

Anti-car activists left a trail of damge

A car was turned over and police officers blocked off the city centre as they tried to control the crowds.

Superintendent Mike Goodwin, of West Midlands Police, said a "significant minority of protesters were not content with a peaceful demonstration. They seemed to arrive with the intention of confronting police".

The arrests had been for "drunkenness and public order offences", he said.

The clashes took place as leaders from the most advanced industrial nations attended a formal dinner in the city.

Later they went on to a gala pop concert at Birmingham Symphony Hall, where the acts included Simply Red and All Saints.

Mr Goodwin said the clashes did not disrupt the G8 conference and that leaders were able to return to their hotels "unhindered".