Protests and placards greet Blair

The Prime Minister arrived to a hostile reception at the Royal Courts of Justice this morning.

Up to 100 anti-war protesters were waiting outside the building. Many wore Pinocchio-style noses and held up banners accusing Tony Blair of using "weapons of mass deception".

Mr Blair arrived just before 10am in the back of a black Range Rover flanked by police vans and motorcycles. Security was tight. A police helicopter circled overhead and marksmen could be seen on the rooftops of the High Court.

As the Prime Minister got out of his car, the protesters began chanting-"Shame on You." They continued-chanting all morning, wearing "Bliar" T-shirts and asking passersby to sign a petition demanding Mr Blair's resignation.

But the anti-war group was only a part of the crowd. By early morning, more than 250 people had queued up hoping to see the star witness. They came from all over Britain, and many had slept overnight on the pavement.

Oliver James, 17, a student from Fulham, said: "This is the only chance I may ever get to see the Prime Minister without a script having to tell the truth. I look forward to seeing him being grilled by lawyers." Bridget Baker, 56, a management consultant from Sussex, said: "The Prime Minister is going to be put on the spot. The hand of history is on his collar."

Abdul Quvi, 68, of Blackheath, said: "I want to know what led to the death of Dr Kelly, who seems to have been a decent human being."

At the front of the line was Alex Holmes, 18, a student from Devon. He had queued from 6.30 last night, and said: "It's the one time Mr Blair really has to answer our questions, and I have every faith in the inquiry to find the real truth."