Spirited protest turns angry as police push back

There were angry scuffles near the gates of Downing Street as protesters demonstrated against the new Conservative government today.

The protesters were calling for an end to austerity and for the protection of the NHS.

Scores of police were brought in to contain the protests, which started in high spirits with musical accompaniment, but became ill-tempered when police formed a chain to push the demonstrators back along Whitehall.

Police, protesters, passers-by and the media were pressed tight in as they passed the Cenotaph, bearing its floral tributes to the sacrifices of those who died to save democracy in the war which ended 70 years ago.

Some protesters sat in the road, some let off smoke flares; all were moved on as the police dispersed the crowds.