Copenhagen, Dec 16 (DPA) Danish police Wednesday used mace and batons to prevent protesters from trying to storm the venue of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.
At least 230 arrests were reported at noon (1100 gmt) when police declared the protest over, making it illegal for the demonstrations to continue.

Several thousand protesters joined the rally organised by the umbrella group Climate Justice Action that included protesters on bikes dressed as Santas. Others chanted slogans like “Reclaim Power”.

Shortly before noon, police stormed a van where organisers of the protest used a megaphone to issue instructions to groups of protesters that tried to force their way past police lines.

Inside the well-guarded Bella Center negotiators from nearly 200 countries sought to overcome deadlock.

About 50 protesters were earlier arrested near a shopping centre while others were arrested at a train station used as an assembly point.

Several vehicles were also stopped and searched.

Police in anti-riot gear erected concrete barriers around the conference venue after activists said they would attempt to disrupt proceedings.

Denmark introduced special legislation prior to the UN summit allowing police to hold suspects without charge for up to 12 hours.

On Tuesday, police seized several home-made bicycles and other material they said could be used for an attempt to storm the venue.

Danish police apprehended more than 1,200 people during protests that took place over the weekend.

Inside the conference centre, environment ministers were holding talks aimed at keeping global warming in check.

With just a few days left before world leaders are due to seal an agreement, the chairwoman of the conference, Connie Hedegaard, and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, have appealed for compromise amid concerns that the talks may be heading for failure.