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16:02 GMT, Monday, 7 April 2008 17:02 UK

In pictures: Paris torch protests

Two-time French judo gold medallist David Douillet, centre, carries the Olympic torch 7/4/08

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The Olympic flame arrived in Paris on Monday, a day after the torch relay was targeted by pro-Tibet protesters in London.

Spectators waving Chinese flags in front of Eiffel tower 7/4/08

Spectators waving Chinese flags in front of Eiffel tower 7/4/08

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A number of China supporters turned out to watch as the torch passed through the streets of the French capital.

Protester is detained by police in Paris 7/4/08

Protester is detained by police in Paris 7/4/08

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However, the relay was also dogged by anti-Chinese protesters keen to speak out against China's recent security crackdown in Tibet.

Man is blocked from reaching Stephane Diagana at the Eiffel Tower 7/4/08

Man is blocked from reaching Stephane Diagana at the Eiffel Tower 7/4/08

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Trouble began when security guards had to tackle a man identified as a Green Party activist as he tried to reach torchbearer and 400-metres hurdles world champion Stephane Diagana at the Eiffel Tower.

Anti-China banner is hung from Eiffel Tower 7/4/08

Anti-China banner is hung from Eiffel Tower 7/4/08

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On the tower itself, protesters unfurled a huge banner criticising China's human rights record and depicting the Olympic rings as handcuffs.

A protester is prevented from reaching a wheelchair athlete carrying the flame 7/4/08

A protester is prevented from reaching a wheelchair athlete carrying the flame 7/4/08

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On the streets the torchbearers were repeatedly targeted by demonstrators.

Riot police pin down a protester 7/4/08

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Some 3,000 police officers, including riot police, had been deployed to protect the flame - saying it would be guarded as if it were a visiting head of state for the duration of the journey.

Arnaud Di Pasquale walks with the extinguished Beijing Olympics torch, surrounded by security 7/4/08

Arnaud Di Pasquale walks with the extinguished Beijing Olympics torch, surrounded by security 7/4/08

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But despite the massive security presence, the organisers were forced to extinguish the flame three times along the route.

Bus carrying Olympic flame, surrounded by officials and security 7/4/08

Bus carrying Olympic flame, surrounded by officials and security 7/4/08

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On each occasion the torch was returned to the safety of the Olympic bus to continue its journey.

Pro-Tibet protesters shouting in Paris 7/4/08

Pro-Tibet protesters shouting in Paris 7/4/08

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In the end the unrest was of such a degree that the authorities cancelled a special torch ceremony which had been due to take place at the City Hall.

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