G8 Protests: Man Tries To Jump Off Building

A man has apparently tried to throw himself off the roof of a central London building during anti-G8 protests before being pinned down by police officers.

Sky News' Jason Farrell said the demonstrator appeared on the roof of a building at Beak Street, Soho, as police tried to secure it from protesters.

He was shouting at officers who were wearing climbing equipment and then ran towards the edge of the four-storey, former police site, before he was pulled back and wrestled to the ground.

He was taken to hospital with a bloodied head and is in a stable condition. Police said he has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

Police raided the building after receiving intelligence that protesters inside were in "possession of weapons and were intent on causing criminal damage and engaging in violent disorders".

More than 32 people were arrested during the demonstrations in the capital for alleged offences including possession of articles with intent to commit criminal damage, assault on police, criminal damage, possession of an offensive weapon, violent disorder and failing to remove a face covering.

Three arrests were made for criminal damage following a police raid in an unoccupied building in Norton Folgate near Liverpool Street.

A small number of rallies were held in Oxford Street, Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus in what the group StopG8 have called a "Carnival Against Capitalism" before the two-day summit, hosted by Britain, in Northern Ireland next week.

Police said there was intelligence to suggest paint bombs and shields could be used against horses and officers in Westminster and the City of London.

Powers to stop and search in anticipation of violence and to require the removal of disguises were authorised.

Some of the world's biggest hedge funds, private equity firms and banks have warned their staff to take precautions in the event of disruption after similar protests in recent years led to violent clashes with police, vandalism and buildings being temporarily occupied.

One activist, who gave his name as Phoenix, claimed that police were obstructing the right to peacefully protest by trying to clear the building in Soho.

He said: "It's clearly undemocratic. This really smacks of restricting the right to peacefully protest. It's a long tradition in this country for people to get their point across. It's not dangerous, it's not violent. It's a peaceful protest."

There were reports on Twitter of a strong police presence in the Oxford Circus and Regent Street area of central London and Golden Square, close to Beak Street.

Designer Jamie Rees, tweeting under @jamie--rees, reported: "Locked into work. Literally. G8 protestors outside targeting Golden Square."

Another Ed McClaran, @edmcclaran, tweeted: "Big G8 protest outside our offices today. People chaining themselves to railings. Why they are in the West End and not the City, I don't know."

Westminster City Council cabinet member for city management Ed Argar said: "Our warden teams will be working with police to manage the streets and we also have clean-up crews on standby.

"Everyone respects the right to legitimate protest and I hope this will be a day without incident.

"However, business people, shop staff and visitors have the right to go about the West End without intimidation or interference and we will do our best to ensure the centre of London runs smoothly."

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "Peaceful protest is a vital part of a democratic society, providing it is conducted within the law.

"But protesters' rights need to be balanced with the rights of others to go about their business without fear of intimidation or serious disruption to the community.

"Rights to peaceful protest do not extend to violent or threatening behaviour and the police have powers to deal with any such acts."

There were nearly 1,200 officers on duty as part of the policing operation around G8.

Police protection of landmark sites across Belfast has been tightened in advance of the conference next week.

The leaders of the world's eight wealthiest countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, are due to meet at the luxury Lough Erne resort in Co Fermanagh.