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Oxford Circus Tube station evacuated by London police | Oxford Circus Tube station evacuated by London police |
(40 minutes later) | |
A group of more than 200 Congolese demonstrators have caused an emergency evacuation of Oxford Circus Tube station in central London, British Transport Police (BTP) has said. | |
They set off a passenger alarm on a train they had boarded following an earlier protest in Whitehall over their country's political situation. | |
About 30 police officers were sent into the station, which was closed for half an hour at about 21:30 GMT. | |
No arrests were made, BTP added. | |
The group joined the Victoria Line at Green Park after gathering in Whitehall, police said, but became rowdy at Oxford Circus, which was the next stop northbound. | |
After the station was cleared, officers arranged for an empty Tube train to be brought in and all of the protesters were led to this, they added. | |
The demonstrators were transported to Seven Sisters station, and the Metropolitan Police arranged for them to be dispersed from there. | |
A general election is being held in the African nation of DR Congo, but opposition supporters allege the polls have been marred by fraud. | |
The emergency saw several police vans were parked at the corner of Oxford and Regent Streets. | |
The station serves the Bakerloo, Central and Victoria Lines. | |
It had been busy with Christmas shoppers throughout the evening, with retailers opening later, as is traditional on a Thursday. |