London recovers from protests

Police reinforcements were brought in

The clean-up of London has begun following a day of May Day protests which led to more than 50 arrests.

After a largely trouble-free day, police came under attack from May Day demonstrators armed with cans, bottles and pieces of wood.

A total of 54 people were arrested following evening skirmishes in Soho.

Of those 19 people have been charged, cautioned or bailed and 35 others remain in custody.

Offences include going equipped to cause criminal damage, possession of illegal drugs and crimes against public order.

Paramedics help a woman with a head injury

Five officers suffered injuries following a series of confrontations in the Soho area.

Lines of police reinforcements were brought in to tackle sporadic outbursts of trouble from small, moving crowds just after 1900 BST.

Some protesters could be seen using mobile phones to co-ordinate their actions as police attempted to corral the groups and prevent people entering the area.

Violence was directed at coffee shops and fast food outlets with several having their windows smashed.

As night fell, trouble broke out on the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue and Rupert Street, and a woman was taken away on a stretcher with a bleeding head wound by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

Perhaps they will learn that they can actually have a colourful, peaceful demonstration

Mike Todd, Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner

Riot police manned roadblocks at every junction around the area, fighting brief battles with demonstrators.

Some 300 protesters cordoned in along Old Compton Street began throwing missiles, including at least one which was on fire, at the lines of police which were at least five deep.

But the uneasy stand-off soon dwindled and ended at about 2200 BST.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Todd said it was "extremely annoying" that a small group of demonstrators had caused trouble after the day's largely peaceful events elsewhere in London, which attracted 7,000 people.

But he said he was pleased with the policing operation.

Protesters climb onto the fountain at Trafalgar Square

"I would say it was an immense success," he said.

Mr Todd revealed about 4,000 officers had been used in the operation - fewer than the Met had been prepared to deploy.

"If they are thinking about another demonstration next year, perhaps they will learn that they can actually have a colourful, peaceful demonstration and perhaps that is the way forward for them."

Trouble-free

Home Secretary David Blunkett had earlier warned that there would be zero tolerance of anyone planning violence.

The day had started with cyclists taking part in protest rides from Camberwell in south London and Camden Town in north London, with both groups converging peacefully in Grosvenor Square.

There was also a trouble-free TUC march and rally in Trafalgar Square.

Protests were also held in many parts of the world, with police and demonstrators clashing in Berlin and Sydney.

Last year about 10,000 protesters were hemmed in by riot police at London's Oxford Circus shopping area for several hours, and 100 were arrested.