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Thousands protest in Tamil rally Thousands protest in Tamil rally
(about 2 hours later)
Thousands of Tamil protesters have forced the closure of London's Westminster Bridge, demanding the UK government act to end war in Sri Lanka.Thousands of Tamil protesters have forced the closure of London's Westminster Bridge, demanding the UK government act to end war in Sri Lanka.
Eight rescue boats were called amid fears the demonstrators would jump en-masse into the Thames if they could not speak to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Eight rescue boats were called out amid fears demonstrators would jump en-masse into the Thames if they could not speak to Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Police said about 3,000 people were involved but there had been no arrests. Police say about 3,000 people have been involved but no-one has been arrested.
The UN says 150,000 people are trapped in Sri Lanka's northern war zone and Tamils claim human rights abuses.The UN says 150,000 people are trapped in Sri Lanka's northern war zone and Tamils claim human rights abuses.
Sri Lanka's government has rejected calls for a ceasefire with the Tamil Tiger rebel group, which wants independence.Sri Lanka's government has rejected calls for a ceasefire with the Tamil Tiger rebel group, which wants independence.
The BBC's Andy Moore said that despite the rally being technically illegal, police were still allowing people to join the crowd in the hope they would disperse overnight.
"They are here for the long term, the protesters say. There are families covered with sheets and blankets and children sleeping, despite the noise," he added.
'Stop genocide'
Suren Surendiran, of the British Tamils Forum, said the protest had been led by students, but that people of all ages from across the UK had joined in.Suren Surendiran, of the British Tamils Forum, said the protest had been led by students, but that people of all ages from across the UK had joined in.
"These are people who have relatives and friends in Sri Lanka; people who have lost brothers and fathers and sisters," he said."These are people who have relatives and friends in Sri Lanka; people who have lost brothers and fathers and sisters," he said.
"As British citizens, they want the UK government to act. Rather than just calling for a ceasefire, they should go to the UN security council to demand one.""As British citizens, they want the UK government to act. Rather than just calling for a ceasefire, they should go to the UN security council to demand one."
The protesters have occupied the bridge throughout Monday afternoon and evening, many carrying banners reading "Stop Sri Lanka's Genocide of Tamils", chanting or banging drums. The protesters have occupied the bridge since Monday afternoon, many carrying banners reading "Stop Sri Lanka's Genocide of Tamils", chanting or banging drums.
The RNLI said four lifeboats from London and Kent were at the scene, supported by police and fire launches. The RNLI said four lifeboats from London and Kent had been at the scene, supported by police and fire launches, since 1700 BST on Monday.