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Scotland Yard was forced to pull officers off the beat to cover for nine in 10 emergency call handlers who joined the public sector strikes.

All police leave in the capital was cancelled to help cope with the walkouts by civilian staff.

Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson told a Metropolitan Police Authority meeting that 90% of 999 call handlers did not turn up to work.

The Met insisted emergency services would not be adversely affected, with extra police officers drafted in to take their place.

Seven suspected trouble-makers were arrested on Thursday morning as more than 3,000 officers took part in the major security operation.