20,000 In London Anti-War Rally

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20,000 In London Anti-War Rally

Up to 20,000 people rallied in London's Trafalgar Square on Saturday to demand an end to military strikes against the Taliban.

Demonstrations were peaceful, although it appeared some hard-line Islamic groups were among the crowd.

Banners held up in the square included one which said "Taliban Lions of Islam", while there were two attempts to burn flags. Police prevented one group burning an American banner, while another group failed to light a Union Jack made of cardboard.

'Incredible'

CND chair Carol Naughton said the response overall was "incredible". "We expected a lot of people but this just shows that there really is a big upsurge of people who are opposed to the conflict in Britain," she said.

Sky News Online journalist Rob Cole said there was a big police presence, but no violence. Protesters chanted "stop the war" and held placards reading "two bombs don't make a right".

Nigerians deaths

"They called for Osama bin Laden to be tried in an international court," Cole said. "They say they want justice - not revenge."

An estimated 100 demonstrations took place in 19 countries on Saturday to protest against the strikes on Afghanistan and President George W Bush's plans for a missile defence shield.

In Nigeria, anti-American protests turned to riots and at least 20 people were killed.

Last Updated: 22:09 UK, Saturday October 13, 2001