ANARCHIST protesters brought chaos to the city centre today as they clashed with police in a series of violent confrontations. Every business in the city centre was advised to close their doors as riot police confronted protesters along Princes Street and in the West End. Bottles and plants were used as missiles as the violence spilled over into Princes Street Gardens. Police appealed for motorists to steer clear of the city centre. About 200 protesters, some dressed as clowns, tried to break through police lines after being corralled in to Canning Street in the West End as they staged their Carnival for Full Enjoyment. Officers were punched and kicked as they lined the road to prevent the hoards of protesters pushing on towards the Capital's financial quarter. Riot police lined up behind mounted officers on Princes Street as they confronted protesters near the Scott Monument. The anarchists responded by trying to pull benches onto the road before the police advance forced them to flee.
Outside HMV at the West End of Princes Street, mounted police were also forced to call for back up as they confronted protesters. Shoppers were told to stay inside the store while skirmishes outside - described as "a riot" by one frightened witness - were brought under control by police.