Protesters: UK police 'heavyhanded'

Estimates of the number of Occupy protesters arrested during this demonstration in London vary considerably.

Some scuffles broke out between police and protesters as emotions ran high.

Some reports suggest about 12 were detained as activists pitched tents nearby.

Police say only four were arrested for public order offences.

They declined to comment on their tactics after complaints from some of the protesters of aggression and heavy-handedness.

Up to 600 protesters marched through the centre of the city.

That number dwindled to about 200 when the marchers reached their destination outside the Bank of England.

SOUNDBITE: JOSIE, DISABLED PROTESTER, SAYING (English):

"I'm in a lot of pain. I'm taking a lot of heavy drugs to actually get here and be here but I'm prepared to stand up and say what needs to be said. People need to hear it."

The London march was one of several world-wide on Saturday in protest against financial inequality.

Paul Chapman, Reuters