Man Dies During G20 Demonstration

A second day of protests are expected in London today, as world leaders gather for the G20 summit in the capital.

Around 90 people were arrested during the first day of demonstrations marking the meeting, and one man died as a day - which began peacefully - ended with violent clashes with police.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said officers were attacked as they tended to a dying man last night.

Police arrived on the scene to help and to move the casualty away for urgent treatment after they were pelted with bottles by protesters.

"A member of the public went to a police officer on a cordon in Birchin Lane junction with Cornhill to say that there was a man who had collapsed round the corner," the Met spokesman said.

"That officer sent two police medics through the cordon line and into St Michael's Alley where they found a man who had stopped breathing."

The man was then moved to an area outside the Royal Exchange Building, where they attempted to resuscitation.

The spokesman also said "a number of missiles - believed to be bottles - were being thrown at them", so they made the decision to move him.

The man was eventually pronounced dead in hospital.

A London ambulance spokesman said: "Our staff immediately took over the treatment of the patient and made extensive efforts to resuscitate him both at the scene and on the way to hospital."

Police reported 88 arrests yesterday. Four people have been charged, three with possessing bladed weapons and one with assault.

The ExCel centre, where the G20 summit is to take place, has been tightly secured with police turning away anyone within a half-mile radius who does not have accreditation.

CND, Stop the War Coalition and the British Muslim Initiative are among the groups who are planning anti-war protests in the City.

During protests yesterday, angry protesters have forced their way inside an RBS office in London as violent clashes escalated.

Windows were smashed at the branch and a number of demonstrators attempted to force their way through lines of officers who hit back with batons.

Meanwhile, the officer in charge of the G20 operation, Commander Bob Broadhurst, this morning, 2 April, praised the way that the majority of protestors co-operated with police throughout yesterday's demonstrations.

Commander Broadhurst also thanked MPS officers for their hard work throughout the day, which resulted in a restrained and proportionate policing operation. The operation is one of the largest, most challenging and complicated public order operations that the MPS has ever delivered.

Commander Broadhurst said: "Yesterday was a very busy day with the eyes of the world focused on London. Whilst it was extremely hard work I am happy with the way the day progressed as the overall mood of the events was good. Unfortunately small groups of protestors intent on violence, mixed with the crowds of lawful demonstrators.

"Some have been arrested already and officers will be looking to identify others through footage from evidence gatherers.

"However these were isolated incidents and despite missiles being thrown and officers requiring person protective equipment, a level of safety and control was maintained."

See: G20 Protesters Attack RBS Bank

(JM/BMcC)