Olympic torch arrives in London

By Avril Ormsby

LONDON (Reuters) - The Olympic flame arrived at Heathrow Airport on Saturday evening ahead of an all-day parade through London's streets on Sunday that anti-China protesters aim to disrupt.

Beijing Olympic officials carried the torch off an Air China plane from St Petersburg, Russia, and were met by Chinese ambassador Fu Ying and minister for the Olympics Tessa Jowell.

About 80 athletes and celebrities will carry the torch by foot, bike, boat and bus, during Sunday's 31-mile relay, starting at Wembley Park and ending in Greenwich.

Anti-China protesters are set to appear at key points along the route but police have warned them they will be dealt with firmly if they try and disrupt the torch's journey.

The event has drawn "substantial" interest from groups who plan to stage protests against China's human rights record and its role in Myanmar (Burma) and Tibet, Scotland Yard has said.

Police have been notified of at least six protests, including one outside Downing Street where Gordon Brown is due to greet the flame, carried by a local schoolboy.

About 2,000 police officers will be on duty during the day, including some on bicycles to keep up with the torch.

Among the groups protesting will be Free Tibet, Falun Gong and the Burma Campaign.