Fathers arrested at law seminar

Police said they were tipped-off about the protests

Fifteen men from the Fathers 4 Justice group have been arrested as they tried to force their way into a north London conference on child law.

One man tried to throw a flare into the seminar, which was attended by judges, barristers, solicitors and magistrates.

The Children Law UK conference is being held at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations in Islington.

About 15 people remained outside the building after the arrests, some trying to swim across a canal to the venue.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said officers were tipped off about a possible protest at the venue earlier in the day.

'Breach of peace'

"At about 1136 BST, officers were informed about two protesters at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations building at Regent's Wharf," he said.

"The men tried to gain access to the building but were refused, and as a result left.

"A short while later extra police assistance was requested when more protestors arrived. Nine protesters were arrested for offences including breach of the peace and public order."

After 1300 BST, six more protesters were arrested. The men are being held in three police stations in north London.

No injuries have been reported.

Fathers 4 Justice have staged a number of stunts recently highlighting their belief child access laws need overhauling.

They claim courts discriminate in favour of mothers on custody, and they want the law changed to give equal automatic priority to both parents.