Protests at Olympic torch relay leg in London (2nd Lead)

Apr 6, 2008, 11:38 GMT

A police officer detains a pro-Tibet demonstrator along the route of the Olympic Torch in London, England, 06 April 2008. The torch for the 2008 Beijing Olympics is to be carried by respected athletes and celebrities from Wembley Arena to the O2 Dome, passing China Town, Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament and London Bridge, amid crowds of spectators. Demonstrations over China\'s human rights record and actions in Tibet are expected along the route. EPA/IAN WALTON/ POOL

London - One man tried to snatch the Olympic torch as 10 people were arrested around protests against China during the London leg of the Olympic torch relay for the Beijing Games on Sunday.

A man who tried to take away the torch from television presenter Konnie Huq got his hand on the torch but was immediately wrestled down by two policemen and then led away.

Another person tried to put out the flame with a fire extinguisher.

A police force of 2,000 was on hand as officers on bicycles accompanied Huq and other runners on the journey through the host city of the 2012 Olympics.

Police reportedly led away three protesters after first scuffles broke out when rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave took the torch out of Wembley Stadium at the start of Sunday's leg.

By midday, 10 people were reportedly arrested in several incidents as hundreds of activists staged protests against China's crackdown in Tibet and other human rights issues.

Scotland Yard said ahead of the London relay it expected at least six activist groups to protest.

Incidents also occurred during the lighting of the Olympic flame in ancient Olympia, Greece, on March 24, and the handover of the flame to China in Athens on March 30.

Protests are also planned for Monday when the torch relay comes to Paris.

The 50-kilometre journey from Wembley to the O2 Arena was due to pass landmarks such as Tower Bridge and Nelson's Column.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown was set to welcome the flame for the August 8-24 Games at Downing Street despite calls for him not to do so in protest of China's crackdown of the unrest in Tibet.

Eighty athletes, celebrities and dignitaries were to carry the torch which was also travel via bicycle and bus. Apart from Redgrave, they also included Dame Kelly Holmes, who won double middle distance running gold 2004 in Athens.

It wasn't all protests on Sunday as thousands lined the streets braving chilly temperatures to see the relay. A warm welcome was expected especially in Chinatown.

The torch arrived late Saturday at Heathrow airport, with Chinese ambassador Fu Ying and British Olympics minister Tessa Jowell on hand to greet it.

The flame arrived in Beijing on March 31 from Greece but the next day went on the international leg of the longest torch relay in Olympic history. It returns to China on May 4, with controversial legs planned in Tibet and to the summit of Mt Everest.

The relay concludes on August 8 when the last torch bearer lights the Olympic Cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Games.