Tempers flared and scuffles broke out among police and protesters in central London today, as anti-capitalists and anarchists took to the streets for May Day.

Around 200 protesters blocked the road outside the offices of Lockheed Martin in High Holborn from 2pm.

Police formed a ring around the demonstration and held it stationary there for about 90 minutes.

Trouble seemed likely to break out shortly after the crowd gathered, when a pro-capitalism demonstrator joined the group, inside the police ring.

John Roberts, wearing a black suit, tie and sunglasses, was booed and faced verbal abuse as he demonstrated under a banner proclaiming, "Works for a Profit-Hungry Multinational and Loves It."

The reverse side read: "Getting Rid of Saddam was a Brilliant Idea."

Mr Roberts was led away by police and asked not to rejoin the demonstration.

Minor scuffles occurred inside the police cordon, but no arrests have been made on High Holborn this afternoon.

One protester leaving the demonstration said: "It's a real shame, but I have to go because there are too many bad vibes around here."

Only one arrest was made before 4pm today in connection with the protests. 33-year-old Kent Cooper has been charged with criminal damage after the window of a coffee shop on Regents Street was defaced.

One man has been injured during demnostrations. He was taken to University College Hospital. The Critical Mass cycle ride and the Weapons of Mass Construction group intend to meet outside the Shell UK building on The Strand at 4pm. Motorists are warned to stay away.

According to police the traditional, annual TUC May Day march in support of workers' rights has moved peacefully, as usual, from Clerkenwell Green to Trafalgar Square.

Metropolitan Police have said they intend to direct other protests around London down to Trafalgar Square as they spring up.

Earlier in the day the Critical Mass group of cyclists staged a go-slow' ride from the South Bank side of Waterloo Bridge.

The protest slowed traffic around streets between the NFT and Queen Anne's Gate in St James Park, where demonstrators held a picnic, under the gaze of police.

The Met has also reported blockages by protesters on roads including Charing Cross Road, Cambridge Circus,

May Day demonstrations were also staged in other major UK cities, including Manchester.

May 1, 2003 17:00