Pro-Tibet protesters tried to extinguish the Olympic torch as it passed through London.

Protesters angry over China’s human rights record and its recent actions in Tibet scuffled with police and made attempts to grab the Olympic torch and douse it with a fire extinguisher on Sunday.

Hundreds of police officers guarded the 31-mile relay and flanked torch-bearers in an effort to limit disruptions by pro-Tibet campaigners. At least 35 people have been arrested for public disorder offences, the Metropolitan Police said.

Crowds were lining the route across the city, many waving Tibetan flags and “Free Tibet” banners.

Others carried signs reading: “Stop the killing in Tibet”, “No Olympic torch in Tibet” and “China talk to Dalai Lama.”

China is hosting this year’s Summer Olympics.

Hundreds of pro-Beijing demonstrators were also gathered along the route and in Trafalgar Square with police separating them from anti-China protesters.

Amid chaotic scenes, police officers grabbed a man in west London as he tried to snatch the flame from torchbearers.

Moments afterwards, a second man released a cloud of foam from a fire extinguisher in an apparent attempt to douse the flame.

It’s a bit hard to see, but one of the signs in the picture above calls for Gordon Brown to join other European leaders in skipping the Olympics.

Via CNN Europe