May Day arrests total 32

Anarchists who had threatened May Day havoc in London were outnumbered nearly five to one by police in an operation which may finally have solved the rioting menace of previous years.

The strategy involved an unusually tough approach from police using aerial surveillance.

Protesters were corralled in areas of the Met's choosing and slowly moved in groups of manageable size. In Trafalgar Square, they were allowed a brief period to demonstrate before being told they could disperse or risk arrest.

When suspected anarchists tried to break free, police imposed their own route on the marchers.

The most severe test came at the junction of Endell Street and High Holborn at about 2pm when the main protest - against arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin - was due to start. No sooner had the crowd unfurled their banners than police surrounded them.

By 6pm the main body of protesters were penned in on the Strand between Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross station. By 9pm the only real activity was the slow dispersal of those still penned in.

The operation involved more than 4,000 police, and 32 people were arrested.