Tsvangirai takes refuge in the Dutch embassy after police raid Zimbabwe opposition HQ

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He has been there since Sunday, when he pulled out of the presidential run-off election against Robert Mugabe.

Yesterday armed police raided the Harare headquarters of Mr Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change, rounding up dozens of victims of political violence sheltering inside.

Refuge: A man on a bicycle cycles past the Dutch Embassy in Harare yesterday afternoon

Around 60, mainly women and children, were taken away for 'hygiene reasons' said Zimbabwean police.

Mr Tsvangirai, repeatedly arrested and harassed during the election campaign, had announced he was ready to negotiate with Mugabe's ZANUPF ruling party - but only if political violence stopped.

The raid on the MDC HQ was Mugabe's response, and came after Zimbabwe brushed aside growing worldwide anger.

Held: Victims of political violence are escorted to a bus by police in Harare

Intimidated: Morgan Tsvangirai

His cronies vowed the presidential election will go ahead on Friday, despite the withdrawal of the opposition candidate.

The Mugabe regime claimed it would 'romp to victory' with justice minister Patrick Chinamasa describing Mr Tsvangirai's announcement to stand-down as a ruse designed to avoid electoral 'humiliation'.

Mr Tsvangirai won the first round of the presidential election on March 29, but did not gain an outright majority against Mugabe. The run-off has been overshadowed by violence and intimidation.

The U.S. added its powerful voice in condemning Zimbabwe's leader. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said: 'The United States condemns in the strongest terms the government of Zimbabwe's continuing campaign of violence against its own people.'

Mugabe's neighbouring leaders have been reluctant to criticise Mugabe in the past but there are signs some are losing patience.

Action in the UN, however, may well be blocked by China, one of Zimbabwe's biggest trading partners.