Olympic Torch Procession: Scuffles, Cheers and Jeers

Update 17.20: The torch is now nearing the end of its journey, a bizarre spectacle that has seen minor celebrities rub shoulders with jogging police officers and cartoonish torch guardians in blue tracksuits. Dame Ellen McSailor is now shepherding the flame towards the O2, where a celebratory concert is planned (minus the laryngitic Sugababes).

Update 14.45: The torch, approaching St Pauls, has been carried onto a London red bus by a man resembling Mr Bronson off of Grange Hill. This is said to be a backup plan to avoid a potential flash point near the cathedral.

The Olympic torch relay through the streets of London is well underway. Almost immediately, pro-Tibet protesters made an impact. One man made a grab for the flame from former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq as she jogged through Ladbroke Grove, but the plucky Huqster wriggled free with assistance from security folk.

In another incident, a fire extinguisher was let off close to the torch. But there are as many cheers as jeers in this remarkable procession.

Protests continue - both pro- and anti-China, with a large gathering in Trafalgar Square. The torch is heading close by right now, amid minor scuffles on Whitehall. Approximately 20 arrests have been made so far.

We'll update this post as incidents occur, on the long route to Greenwich.

Image from Andrew*'s Flickr photostream.