London G20 Protests

Tens of thousands of people voiced their anger at the world economic crisis in London's financial district Wednesday, one day before a summit by leaders of the G20 countries in Europe's financial capital.

Protesters accused bankers of "robbing" the economy and a few hundred people smashed the windows of the Royal Bank of Scotland, whose CEO retired last year with a big pension despite the fact that the bank was nationalized to be saved from collapse.

Four different groups tried to organize one large march at the narrow corner of the Bank of England on Threadneedle Street.

The groups were divided into "horses," the Red Horse protesting war, the Green Horse against climate chaos, the Silver Horse against financial crimes and the Black Horse against land enclosures.

Ghoulish costumers were prevalent as protestors tried to call attention to what they call atrocities committed by Western governments. Pictured is Chris Knight, professor of anthropology at the University of East London.

Anti-war protesters were one the four groups that converged on the Bank of England at midday, calling for an end to Britain's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Stores near the Bank of England and other areas of London's financial district boarded up windows in anticipation of possible vandalism and looting during the protests. One newspaper dubbed the mood ahead of Wednesday as "Fortress London."

Bicycles and foot power weren't the only transportation available to those protesting. Although it looks like a police vehicle, protestors were at the wheel of this tank sighted close to major buildings owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland, a big symbol of the banking collapse in Britain.

Like the outrage over taxpayer money being used to pay bonuses at AIG in the US, lots of anger in the UK has been directed toward Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling, who has been overseeing bank bailouts.

Police presence was high across London and the Royal Bank of Scotland was expected to be a major target. The large pension provided to former chairman Fred Goodwin has sparked outrage among politicians and taxpayers.

RBS is now majority owned by the UK government.

The Royal Exchange, next to the Bank of England, became a focal point for different protest groups. Some in costumers chanted and played music. Others in black hoods and scarves later clashed with police.

Smoke bombs were used later in the protest, including when protestors broke into a branch of Royal Bank of Scotland in the City.

Plans to disrupt the commute into the City by clogging major train stations never materialized. The commute Wednesday morning was smoother than usual, with many employees taking a day off or working remotely to avoid the protests and expected traffic snarl.

A group saying they were "pedalling for the planet" were among the first to gather, cycling past banks at a major route into the financial district.

Police faced their first challenge in maintaining order when forces tried to prevent marches from converging at the Bank of England. Eleven people were reportedly arrested in the morning.

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