UK: Protesters breach Gleneagles barrier

[Oldbillplod]

Police have been forced to repel a group of activists who broke through the main barrier protecting the G8 summit at Gleneagles in Scotland.

One group of marchers jumped over a small fence close to the main gates and made their way towards the barrier.

They were followed by others who began weaving through the long grass.

A military helicopter brought more police officers to the scene.

Around a dozen mounted police officers were stationed in a field inside the estate where the protesters gathered at the barrier.

Eventually, the protesters were made to go back to the agreed route.

Thousands of campaigners had been taking part in the march, which police had earlier attempted to cancel after trouble flared in Stirling in the morning.

But following talks with organisers, officers agreed to let the procession go ahead.

The march began peacefully, with protesters chanting "drop the debt" and other slogans.

In the earlier violence, police were attacked with bricks, bottles and metal poles while local businesses and shops were targeted. A Burger King outlet was smashed up and defaced.

By lunchtime there had been 60 arrests in the south Perthshire area.

Anarchists left a trail of destruction as they moved through Stirling's suburbs towards the M9 - the main road through central Scotland to Gleneagles.

[retdetsgt]

Geez, I hate those people.....