LONDON, ENGLAND - PRO-TIBET protesters clashed with police and tried to put out the Beijing Olympics flame as the torch was being taken around the British capital on Sunday.

Police jumped on demonstrators who tried to disrupt the relay in what appeared to be a well-orchestrated protest.

Two protesters were arrested as they attempted to extinguish the torch and a third was pushed to the ground as he tried to seize the flame from a British TV presenter taking part in the relay.

There were scuffles each time members of the relay team - renowned British athletes and television personalities - handed over the flame to the next runner.

Shouts of 'Free Tibet, Free Tibet,' echoed around the streets, while demonstrators held up banners and had their faces painted in the colours and style of the Tibetan flag.

Police on bikes and running alongside the flame escorted each member of the relay.

Former Olympic rower Steve Redgrave kicked-off the all-day relay that began at Wembley Stadium under unseasonal snowfall. There were even arrests here as Redgrave handed over the flame to a 16-year-old girl.

China faces criticism
Beijing has faced international criticism over its crackdown on anti-Chinese protests in Tibet that began on March 10 in Tibet's capital, Lhasa, and which have spread to other areas of China with Tibetan populations.

Exiled Tibetan leaders say more than 150 people have been killed in the unrest. China has given a figure of 20.

But China's top official in Tibet, rejecting demands by activists around the world, insisted on Sunday that the Beijing Olympics torch relay would pass through Tibet as planned.

Guarded procession
Some 2,000 British police officers were out in force to protect the London torch procession.

Ahead of the relay London police said it expected six organisations - including the Free Tibet movement, Falungong and the Burma Campaign - to send about 500 protesters to demonstrate.

In London, the demonstrators were outnumbered by thousands who lined the capital's streets to enjoy the relay and carnival atmosphere.

The torch was to be met by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at his Downing Street residence. Mr Brown has brushed aside criticism of his plans to attend Beijing Olympic ceremonies, insisting it is the right thing as London will host the 2012 Games.

Star-studded
An array of British sports and entertainment stars, flanked by police and security officers, were carrying the torch on a 48-kilometre route taking in the site of the London 2012 Olympic Games and finishing at the O2, formerly known as the Millennium Dome.

Among the torch-bearers were sailor Ellen MacArthur, runner Kelly Holmes, tennis player Tim Henman, footballer Theo Walcott, rugby player Kenny Logan, rower Ed Coode, cricketer Kevin Pietersen, violinist Vanessa Mae, singers the Sugababes, rugby coach Clive Woodward and heptathlete Denise Lewis.

Stand-up comedian Francesca Martinez withdrew Thursday in protest over the Chinese crackdown in Tibet.

The torch will move to Paris on Monday and French authorities have also prepared massive security for the relay.