Anarchy In London

Police struggle to control hard-core anarchist rioters after 500,000-strong London march against government cuts ends in violence

* 214 arrests after extremists hijack anti-government cuts demonstration

* 84 people injured - and at least 31 police officers hurt on day of violence

* Ritz hotel attacked with paint and smokebombs and 1,000 occupy Fortnum & Mason

* Protesters surge along Piccadilly, Regent Street and Oxford Street forcing shops to close

* Lightbulbs filled with ammonia hurled at police officers

Over 200 people were arrested as extremists brought violent chaos to central London yesterday after hijacking the much-heralded trade union protest against public spending cuts.

A massive clear-up operation was underway this morning after trouble continued to flare late into the night as hundreds of people clashed with officers in Trafalgar Square.

Police confirmed 214 people were in custody and there had been 84 reported injuries during the protests. At least 31 police were hurt with 11 of them requiring hospital treatment.

Riot: Police officers stand in front of a fire lit be demonstrators in central London last night

Between 200 and 300 people were still in Trafalgar Square late into the night, with some throwing missiles and attempting to damage the Olympic clock within the square.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said officers had 'come under sustained attack' as they tried to deal with the disorder and attempted criminal damage, with officers using 'containment' tactics in a bid to manage those congregating. The area was eventually cleared by around 2.45am.

'A large number from the crowd are throwing missiles and have attempted to damage the Olympic clock within the square,' he said.

'Officers have come under sustained attack as they deal with the disorder and attempted criminal damage.'

Police officers stand in front of a fire lit by rioters

disobedience: Demonstrators use a giant road sign to smash through a plate glass window at the Ritz Hotel

Under siege: Anti-capitalist protesters surround Fortnum & Mason, climbing on the roof to daub activist graffiti before making their way inside

One rioter tries to break a window at a HSBC bank in Cambridge Circus, central London

Attack: A policeman who had paint hurled in his face by protestors

'Shooting themselves in the foot': The decent, respectable TUC march was hijacked by thugs, vandals and a clueless pack of self-righteous protesters