Islamic group holds protest march

Marchers amassed in Hyde Park for a rally

Protesters have gathered in London's Hyde Park to demonstrate against the government's anti-terror laws.

About 8,000 Muslims from across the UK took part in the march staged by radical Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT), according to organisers.

It began in Parliament Square taking in Whitehall and Piccadilly Circus, before arriving in Hyde Park for speeches by leaders of Muslim groups.

HT, banned in some countries, says the legislation is oppressive.

Measures to ban extremist organisations and the extradition of Babar Ahmed to face terrorism charges in the US are among the steps being criticised.

Dr Imran Waheed, a spokesman for HT Britain, said: "We will continue to stand up for justice and call on all people of conscience to prevent the silencing of thought, the muzzling of criticism and the repression of dissent under the pretence of fighting terrorism."

The Metropolitan Police said it did not have figures for the number of people marching and has not received reports of any arrests.

Roads along the route were closed during the march but have since reopened.