The streets around the main summit venue in the heart of the city were deserted and police helicopters circled overhead. Some 20,000 police officers have been drafted in to ensure security during the meetings, which will bringPresident Trump together with Vladimir Putin, Angela Merkel and Theresa May.
Authorities have been particularly concerned about a protest organised by hardcore anarchists under the banner “Welcome to Hell” on Thursday evening, just as Mr Trump and other world leaders fly in.
There was little sign of trouble as the protest began with rock music and Mexican slogans in the Hamburg Fish Market, near the popular St Pauli nightlife district.
But there were fears of clashes
Germany’s second city, hosting its largest-ever international meeting, has deployed some 20,000 police around the event sites, equipped with riot gear, armoured vehicles, helicopters and surveillance drones.
A holding centre for detainees has been set up with space for 400 people and detention judges are on hand.
Some 30 demonstrations have been announced before and during the meeting, organised by anti-globalisation activists and environmentalists, trade unions, students and church groups.
Late Thursday, police detained six people for throwing bottles at officers as about 11,000 protesters marched through Hamburg to techno music under the banner “I’d rather dance than G20”.
Details later…
