St Paul's Cathedral has been forced to shut to visitors and worshippers due to health, safety and fire concerns, which have been caused by anti-capitalist protests being held outside the London landmark.

The Right Reverend Graeme Knowles, dean of St Paul's Cathedral, said the decision was "unprecedented in modern times" and has appealed to the protesters to vacate the area around the property in order to allow it to reopen.

Knowles said: "The health, safety and fire officers have pointed out that access to and from the cathedral is seriously limited. With so many stoves and fires and lots of different types of fuel around, there is a clear fire hazard.

"Then there is the public health aspect which speaks for itself. The dangers relate not just to cathedral staff and visitors but are a potential hazard to those encamped themselves."

Earlier this week, a spokesperson for London and Partners added: "St Paul's is in the top ten of UK visitor attractions and boasts more than 1.5 million visitors a year, of which a large amount of their funding is a result of visitors."

Details: www.stpauls.co.uk

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