First day of Bush visit passes quietly

4:42pm Wednesday 19th November 2003

Protesters caused a minimum of disruption today, as President Bush was formally welcomed to London.

Detective Assistant Commander Andy Trotter said there had been no major problems from protest groups.

About 300 people protested against the Bush visit outside Buckingham Palace, and a smaller group of about 100 demonstrated near Parliament.

Mr Trotter said the Presidential motorcade had moved around central London as planned.

The President is now back at Buckingham palace.

About 20 people have been arrested by police running the massive security operation in central London, all of them for minor offences.