Mass arrests as London police attack 'Critical Mass' cycle ride during Olympic ceremony

London police have used pepper spray against “critical mass” cycle ride as the British capital holds the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Games. “Large number of people” arrested said a police tweet.

Some witnesses said police pushed the cyclists aside to get David Beckham through traffic.

Critical Mass is a cycling event typically held on the last Friday of every month all around the world. 

From the BBC 

People taking part in a monthly mass bike ride held in London say they are being "kettled" near the stadium. 

Kerry-Anne Mendoza, 31, who describes herself as a campaigner and writer, said: "We were cycling down the Bow Road [in Stratford] and the police directed us down a cul-de-sac.

"Then they kettled us in there. There is a line of police cars and vans behind that."

She added: "They have not communicated with us or told us why we are being held here or when they will let us out."

The regular Critical Mass ride is a pro-cycling event.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "A number of people in breach of regulations imposed on a monthly cycling event have been arrested."

The arrested cyclists have been detained under Section 12 of the Public Order Act.