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Occupy London protests in financial district Occupy London protests in financial district
(about 1 hour later)
At least 1,000 people are demonstrating in London's financial district as part of a worldwide protest against alleged corporate greed. Up to 3,000 people are demonstrating in London's financial district as part of a worldwide protest against alleged corporate greed.
Demonstrators inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement are protesting outside St Paul's Cathedral.Demonstrators inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement are protesting outside St Paul's Cathedral.
City of London Police said no arrests had been reported. Scotland Yard said two people had been arrested for assaults on officers.
Organisers were aiming to set up a protest camp outside the London Stock Exchange in Paternoster Square in the City, but were prevented by the police.Organisers were aiming to set up a protest camp outside the London Stock Exchange in Paternoster Square in the City, but were prevented by the police.
The BBC's Maddy Savage at the scene said demonstrators included students, unemployed graduates, pensioners and even passing tourists who have warmed to the campaign. After protesters returned to St Paul's Churchyard, the square in front of the cathedral, police prevented more people trying to join the protest by cutting off access points.
She said: "They may not be a coherent group but they appear united in their goal - to criticise the UK's bankers and speak for what they describe as 'people over profit'." Several hundred protesters congregated behind the police lines and heckled officers for not allowing anyone through.
Police at the scene denied that a "kettling" technique had been put in place to close protesters in and said they were free to leave the square.
There were jeers and boos from the crowds of protesters who wanted to get into Paternoster Square where the London Stock exchange is based as the demonstration got under way just after midday.There were jeers and boos from the crowds of protesters who wanted to get into Paternoster Square where the London Stock exchange is based as the demonstration got under way just after midday.
They were held back by lines of police officers and locked gates.They were held back by lines of police officers and locked gates.
Some led a march around the square before returning to the steps of St Paul's Cathedral where most have spent the rest of the afternoon chanting and waving their cardboard banners in the autumn sunshine.Some led a march around the square before returning to the steps of St Paul's Cathedral where most have spent the rest of the afternoon chanting and waving their cardboard banners in the autumn sunshine.
Others have brought along giant speakers to play music on or their own guitars and drums.Others have brought along giant speakers to play music on or their own guitars and drums.
The protest has been peaceful so far. Many of the protesters say they intend to stay put late into the night.The protest has been peaceful so far. Many of the protesters say they intend to stay put late into the night.
The BBC's Maddy Savage at the scene said demonstrators included students, unemployed graduates, pensioners and even passing tourists who have warmed to the campaign.
She said: "They may not be a coherent group but they appear united in their goal - to criticise the UK's bankers and speak for what they describe as 'people over profit'."
Organisers of the 15 October worldwide protests said on their website that the aim was to "initiate the global change we want".Organisers of the 15 October worldwide protests said on their website that the aim was to "initiate the global change we want".
They say rallies will be held in 951 cities in 82 countries.They say rallies will be held in 951 cities in 82 countries.
Naomi Colvin, an organiser outside the London Stock Exchange, said the nature of the rally would be dependent on those that turn up.Naomi Colvin, an organiser outside the London Stock Exchange, said the nature of the rally would be dependent on those that turn up.
"We take the position that we will convene a general assembly in London and like all the other protests which have happened elsewhere, it is the general assembly which is the decision-making body," she told the BBC."We take the position that we will convene a general assembly in London and like all the other protests which have happened elsewhere, it is the general assembly which is the decision-making body," she told the BBC.
"If the general assembly, made up of everybody who comes today, decides that we want to try and stay, then we will make some efforts to try and stay.""If the general assembly, made up of everybody who comes today, decides that we want to try and stay, then we will make some efforts to try and stay."
BBC reporter Phil Bodmer said there were about 3,000 to 5,000 protesters taking part while the City of London Police said it was in the region of 1,000. BBC reporter Phil Bodmer said there were about 2,000 to 3,000 protesters taking part, however police were unable to give an official estimate.
Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, gave a speech to the group. Our reporter said it was a "good natured, noisy demonstration" with a "fairly sizeable" police presence.
Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, gave a speech to one group of protesters about anonymity after he was challenged by police for wearing a mask as he walked to the protest.
He said: "I ask that all of you demand that foreign bank accounts be opened up and made transparent, the same way that I today have been forced to be made transparent."
A spokeswoman for the protesters said Mr Assange then gave a speech where he talked about Wikileaks, police oppression and the current economic situation.
One protester, Anna, said she was hopeful that the demonstration would have an impact on governments and big businesses.One protester, Anna, said she was hopeful that the demonstration would have an impact on governments and big businesses.
"These things take time. If they don't listen today, then we will stay here until they listen. This movement is not going away, this is a building global movement."These things take time. If they don't listen today, then we will stay here until they listen. This movement is not going away, this is a building global movement.
"There's a shift in the world - you don't have to be a genius to see our system's broken.""There's a shift in the world - you don't have to be a genius to see our system's broken."
Are you taking part in the Occupy London protests? You can send us your experiences using the form below.Are you taking part in the Occupy London protests? You can send us your experiences using the form below.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
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