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00:32 GMT, Thursday, 10 April 2008 01:32 UK

In pictures: San Francisco relay

Pro-Tibet demonstrators rally on the Embarcadero

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Like their counterparts in Paris and London, demonstrators rallied in San Francisco on Wednesday along the scheduled route of the Olympic torch relay to denounce Beijing's treatment of Tibet.

Protesters block the expected torch route down the Embarcadero

Protesters block the expected torch route down the Embarcadero

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Demonstrators protesting at China's support for Sudan despite the abuses in Darfur were among those waiting.

Pro-Tibet protesters file along the Golden Gate Bridge

Pro-Tibet protesters file along the Golden Gate Bridge

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Buddhist monks crossed the city's iconic Golden Gate Bridge to voice their anger at Beijing's actions.

China supporters waving Chinese flags

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However, there were also a number of pro-China supporters lining the streets.

The first torchbearer, Lin Lee, hoists the Olympic torch in San Francisco

The first torchbearer, Lin Lee, hoists the Olympic torch in San Francisco

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The first bearer, Lin Lee, took up the burning torch in front of the world's media and the relay got under way.

The torch relay passes Tibet protesters on Marina Boulevard

The torch relay passes Tibet protesters on Marina Boulevard

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But soon after it set off, running a gauntlet of protesters, the relay party suddenly disappeared into a waterfront warehouse.

Motorcycle police escort the torch on its new route

Motorcycle police escort the torch on its new route

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It reappeared an hour later, more than 2 miles (3km) away, on a surprise new route, flanked by police.

Chinese male escorts in blue and white tracksuits keep close to the torch

Chinese male escorts in blue and white tracksuits keep close to the torch

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Running alongside the torch were several of the track-suited Chinese guards whose aggressive manner caused indignation in Europe.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom (centre) is briefed by officials

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San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom later told Reuters news agency he had switched the route to uphold public safety.

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