Protests marred the Olympic torch relay round London as at least 37 people were arrested during clashes between police and campaigners.

Hundreds of activists lined the route round the capital city yesterday to protest at the Chinese government's human rights record and the recent crackdown on pro-independence activists in Tibet.

Demonstrators made their presence known as soon as Sir Steve Redgrave started the 31-mile relay at Wembley Stadium. Three people were arrested as they attempted to board a double-decker bus which was part of the convoy.

One man later tried to snatch the Olympic torch from TV presenter Konnie Huq before being wrestled to the ground by police, while other protesters attempted to put out the flame by letting off fire extinguishers.

Huq, the longest-serving female presenter of Blue Peter, said she had been "a bit bashed about" in the scuffle. She added: "I expected there to be protests but I was not expecting to be wrestled by people. I nearly lost my footing in the scramble but I kept going."

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell later jumped into the path of the convoy waving a "Free Tibet" banner. At one stage the torch was moved on to a bus to ensure its safe passage and the route was changed.

At least 1000 protesters chanting for a free Tibet gathered opposite Downing Street. Gordon Brown greeted the torch behind No 10's closed steel gates as protesters scuffled with police outside.

The Prime Minister had already faced criticism for taking part in the event, with Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg saying his involvement was "wholly inappropriate" until China opened talks with the Dalai Lama.

Despite the disruption, Sebastian Coe, chairman of London 2012, insisted that the Olympic ideals had not been tarnished by the protests. "Today has been great," he said. "It is a reaffirmation of the international values espoused by international sport.

"It is perfectly within the right of people to demonstrate peaceably and I don't think any of us would want it any other way. But we must never overlook the fact this is a large celebration of international sport, and international sport is always worth fighting for.

"The vast majority of people recognise this is a celebration of the Olympic torch. This is not China's Olympic torch. It is an Olympic festival."

Beijing Olympic torch relay spokesman Qu Yingpu said that the flame had brought "hope and friendship" to London. "This is not the right time, the right platform, for any people to voice their political views," he added.

But activists said the relay was simply a "propaganda campaign" by China to cover its "appalling human rights record".

Martin Wyness and Ashley Darby, who were taken away by police after attempting to put out the torch with fire extinguishers, said: "Like many people, we feel that China has no right parading the Olympic torch through London.

"Our protest is not directed at the Chinese people but instead at the brutal Chinese regime that rules them."