Indian High Commission in UK attacked, 5 Tamil protesters held

LONDON: Five Tamil protesters on Monday forced their way into the Indian High Commission and smashed bullet proof glasses while thousands agitated against the Sri Lankan military offensive against the LTTE.

Metropolitan Police arrested the five pro-LTTE protesters and handcuffed them after they attacked the bullet-proof glasses in the front of the India House, housing the Indian High Commission, at Aldwych this morning.

When contacted, an official of the Indian High Commission said the bullet-proof glasses were shattered but no one was injured.

Initially, there were about 100 demonstrators but it soon swelled to 3,000 with many carrying placards and shouting slogans demanding an immediate ceasefire.

Some of the demonstrators also smashed glass panes on the side of the High Commission where the Visa counters were located.

A spokesman of the Metropolitan Police said the demonstration was on for over three hours and further details were awaited.