Protesting police 'may be kettled'

Thousands of police officers are expected to join a protest march against cuts to public services today. Organisers hope 20,000 officers will parade through central London, with 16,000 wearing black caps to signify the number of jobs expected to be cut.

Union leaders said up to 400,000 civil servants, lecturers, health workers, Ministry of Defence staff, immigration officers and members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary would also join demonstrations.

Police refused to rule out the use of kettling against officers on the march. The Met said it would treat the demonstration like any other.