A string of demonstrations brought traffic to a standstill in central Brighton at the weekend.

In the first, protesters doused themselves in fake blood in a campaign of support for the people of the West Bank.

More than 100 shoppers watched the drama unfold in Churchill Square, Brighton, involving 15 members of Sussex University's Palestinian Solidarity Campaign.

Police were called and after 40 minutes the students were peacefully moved on just after noon on Saturday.

Three hours later, a group of 100 people stopped traffic outside Sainsbury's in London Road, Brighton, in a protest against plans to build a supermarket behind Brighton station.

Officers were again called in as traffic built up.

Pavements were also blocked as the placard-waving students called for the scheme to be scrapped.

A police spokesman said the crowds were eventually dispersed without confrontation.

A group of protesters then moved on to Cheapside, near the station car park, to continue the protest.

Inspector Dave Stringer, of Sussex Police, said both demonstrations passed off peacefully.

He said: "Police responded with tact and diplomacy to these disruptive but peaceful demonstrations."