Scuffles broke out every time members of the relay team handed over the flame
London police battle Tibet protesters on Olympic torch relay
LONDON (AFP) — British police battled to keep pro-Tibet protesters away from the Beijing Olympics flame, making 30 arrests as the torch went on a high security tour of London on Sunday.
Police jogged or cycled alongside the torch as it was carried by each member of the relay.
There were continual scuffles along the route as members of a team of renowned British athletes, pop stars and television personalities handed the flame to the next runner.
Two demonstrators against China's crackdown in Tibet were arrested as they attempted to extinguish the torch, while a third was pushed to the ground as he tried to seize the flame from a television presenter.
Police said they had made 30 arrests for public order offences and estimated that more than 1,000 demonstrators were out in force.
Shouts of "Free Tibet, free Tibet," echoed around the streets while demonstrators held up banners and had their faces painted in the colours of the Tibetan flag. Pro-China supporters were also out in force.
Former Olympic champion rower Steve Redgrave started the relay that began at Wembley Stadium amid an unseasonal fall of snow. There were even arrests here as Redgrave handed over the flame to a 16-year-old girl.
A Chinese embassy spokesman told AFP that its ambassador to Britain, Fu Ying, had not been troubled as she ran through London's Chinatown. He would not confirm reports that her route had been changed to avoid trouble.
Beijing has faced international criticism over its crackdown on protests in Tibet that began on March 10 and which have spread to other areas of China with Tibetan populations.
Exiled Tibetan leaders say more than 150 people have been killed in the unrest. China has given a figure of 20.
But China's top official in Tibet, rejecting demands by activists around the world, insisted on Sunday that the Beijing Olympics torch relay would pass through Tibet as planned.
Some 2,000 British police officers were out in force to protect the London torch procession.
Ahead of the relay, police said they were expecting around 500 demonstrators from six organisations, including the Free Tibet movement, Falungong and the Burma Campaign.
But they were outnumbered by the thousands who lined the streets to enjoy the relay in a carnival atmosphere. A number of China supporters also braved the cold temperatures to voice their political opinions.
The torch was met by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at his Downing Street residence. Brown has brushed aside criticism of his plans to attend Beijing Olympic ceremonies, insisting it is the right thing as London will host the 2012 Games.
David Cameron, leader of Britain's opposition Conservatives, acknowledged many people were "very unhappy" about China's crackdown in Tibet but sided with the government in rejecting calls for a boycott of the Olympics.
"I don't think we are at the stage yet where we should be considering a boycott," he told Sky Television. "I think having a policy of robust engagement with China is right."
An array of British sports and entertainment stars, flanked by police and security officers, carried the torch on a 31-mile (48 kilometre) route taking in the site of the London 2012 Olympic Games and finishing at the O2 arena.
Among the torch-bearers were round-the-world sailor Ellen MacArthur, runner Kelly Holmes, tennis player Tim Henman, Arsenal footballer Theo Walcott, rugby player Kenny Logan, rower Ed Coode, cricketer Kevin Pietersen, violinist Vanessa Mae, singers the Sugababes, rugby coach Clive Woodward and heptathlete Denise Lewis.
Stand-up comedian Francesca Martinez withdrew Thursday in protest over the China.
The torch heads for Paris on Monday where the French authorities have also prepared massive security for the relay which has sparked protests since the torch was lit in Greece a week ago at the start of its 85,000-mile journey to Beijing via 21 countries.
Stratford, London. 
Around 25 arrests have been made by Metropolitan Police officers, during the 31 mile Olympic Torch relay in London, England.

The torch relay began at Wembley Stadium where protesters waved flags and chanted as the torch started on its route.  Protests then became more dramatic, as demonstrators attempted to extinguish the flame using a fire extinguisher, and grab the torch from the hands of TV presenter Konnie Huq in Ladbroke Grove.  Both of the attempts were unsuccessful, and were prevented by police officers and members of the torch's security team.

The torch continued its route, surrounded by more than twenty security officers, to be seen by hundreds of spectators, and also continued verbal protests by groups highlighting the human rights issues in China. There were also pro-China protesters present chanting slogans.  It is believed that around 20 - 25 arrests have been made throughout the course of the day.

The route ends at the O2 Arena after being carried by around 80 athletes, dignitaries and entertainers, including five time Olympic gold medal winner Sir Steve Redgrave.