Tamil protesters continue to block London's Parliament Square over Lanka offensive

London, Apr.8 (ANI): Protests by Tamils based in Britain are continuing for the third day in and around London's Parliament Square.

Police arrested seven people on Tuesday as a crowd protested against the Sri Lankan government's offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels and alleged human rights abuses.

Up to 5,000 people - including women and babies - forced the closure of nearby Westminster Bridge by staging a sit-in on Monday night, reports the Daily Express.

The bridge was reopened to traffic at around 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

The Sri Lankan government has rejected international calls for a ceasefire, claiming it is on the verge of defeating the Tamil Tigers, a rebel group which is fighting for an independent homeland.

The protesters say the lives of thousands of civilians are in danger and want the UK government to take action.

Leicester East MP Keith Vaz is expected to deliver a letter to Downing Street calling for the situation in Sri Lanka to be debated by the UN Security Council. (ANI)