Radiohead rumour rocks Wall Street

Hundreds of New Yorkers chanted slogans criticising the banks, corporations and the media, as a protest that has claimed to "Occupy Wall Street" for the past two weeks sparked into life.

What has for two weeks been a minor nuisance to workers in the financial district of Manhattan, last night became the social media sensation that organisers had hoped for – but not because of a sudden surge in support for its proponents' messages.

A rumour – apparently false – that Radiohead would stage a surprise concert at the camp yesterday afternoon swelled the number of spectators, before the band tweeted: "We wish the best of luck to the protesters there, but contrary to earlier rumours, we will not be appearing today at #occupywallstreet."