Four arrested during Tamils protest

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Some 500 demonstrators occupied Parliament Square, sparking fears that they could try to storm the entrance to the Commons.

Shouting and carrying banners condemning the Sri Lankan government's offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels and alleged human rights abuses, they were hemmed in by more than 100 police officers.

Overnight up to 5,000 people - including women and babies - forced the closure of nearby Westminster Bridge by staging a sit-in. The bridge was reopened to traffic at around 9am.

Two men jumped into the Thames as police tried to persuade the crowd to disperse, but they were not believed to have been seriously injured.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Police have made four arrests - one for violent disorder, two for public order and one for breach of the peace. There are approximately 500 protesters remaining in Parliament Square. We have a contingency plan in place should numbers start to grow again."

Police said they continued trying to negotiate with the protesters - many of whom had brought sheets and sleeping bags - through the night. Social services were put on stand-by to care for children if necessary. At 6.30am officers warned the crowd that they would be moved and directed them to Parliament Square, the spokesman said.

"All roads around Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge are open and traffic is moving," he added. "Westminster Underground station is open."

The Sri Lankan government has rejected international calls for a ceasefire, claiming it is on the verge of defeating the Tamil Tigers rebel group, which is fighting for an independent homeland. However, the United Nations said up to 150,000 people are trapped in the war zone in the north of the country.

The protesters said the lives of thousands of civilians in Sri Lanka's northern Mullaithivu district are in danger.