UKuncut take muscial protest to London Banks

Approximately 25 protesters from UKuncut descended on London's West End banks today with a musical message. The singing and guitar-playing demonstrators started with an occupation of a branch of HSBC in Oxford Street. Leaflets distributed to the public and bank staff demand that the government stop the cuts and make the banks pay 'for the crisis they caused'. Bemused staff looked on as the group played a series of well known songs supplementing their own alternative lyrics.

The protest was peaceful with a party vibe. Police kept a close eye on the proceedings but maintained a relaxed approach.

The protest moved down Regent's Street, stopping for a while outside a closed branch of Nat West, before moving onto Barclay's Bank in Piccadilly Circus which had closed its doors moments before the protesters arrived, trapping customers inside.

From inside Barclays Bank, burly, sun-glass wearing, security guards videoed the protesters outside. The bank remained closed as the group played another set of songs generating a small audience from the passing crowds. Barclay's Bank remained closed for some time after protesters had left the scene.