Share

Cyclists arrested at Olympics

London - More than 100 people were arrested during a protest by cyclists during the Olympics opening ceremony, police said on Saturday.

Scotland Yard said two groups of protesters were arrested on suspicion of breaching protest conditions and causing a public nuisance.

The amateur cycling club had tried to pedal their way through the security cordon around the Olympic Park during Friday evening's opening ceremony.

Officers scuffled with several pro-cycling activists as dozens of cyclists were blocked by police vans from proceeding, Scotland Yard said. No serious injuries were reported.

The cyclists were identified as members of a monthly cycling event called "Critical Mass" that normally passes through the area, but a police order had prohibited the group from travelling into the Olympic Park area in east London during Friday night's opening ceremony.

Police said they would give the precise number of arrests later.

Separately, a small radical Islam group had planned a demonstration outside the Olympic Park to expose what it calls "the evil of the Olympics" for Friday, but the protest was cancelled for no stated reason last week.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1816 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1774 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1083 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 459 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 253 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE