Protesters make voices heard at US inauguration

There were angry scenes yesterday as anti-Bush demonstrators jeered President George W

There were angry scenes yesterday as anti-Bush demonstrators jeered President George W. Bush's motorcade during the inaugural parade in Washington.

The procession of cars sped up as Mr Bush neared the designated location for protesters on Pennsylvania Avenue. Two rows of police lined the street in front of the main protest site. Officers stationed atop buildings along the route kept close watch on the crowd.

The crowd booed, and some demonstrators shouted: "No justice, no peace." In some places in the protest area, the crowd was about six rows deep.

Three blocks from the White House, protesters tried to rush a security gate and a flag was burned. Police briefly sealed off the area, trapping some 400 to 500 spectators.

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US soldiers in dress uniforms and blue coats were greeted with chants of "no more wars."

Some rallying against the war carried coffin-like cardboard boxes to signify the deaths of US troops in Iraq. Some of their chants could be heard as Mr Bush neared the end of his inaugural address.

Police said at least 10 people were arrested during the inaugural ceremonies.

District of Columbia police said they had to use pepper spray to break up a "push and shoving match" between officers and protesters near the start of the parade. A police spokesman said at least one officer was slightly injured.

Police and witnesses said a security checkpoint near the White House was briefly shut down after being blocked by protesters.