Thousands of yawning, tired police were greeted by a small, cheerful army of Angels this morning at 5am - wishing them a Happy (and peaceful) Mayday.

As hundreds of riot vans pulled into their convergence centre, on Shoreditch High Street, East London, six angels, with placards, danced and waved - and forced the police to smile.

As one angel observed: "It was as if they hadn't woken up to the fact they were coppers for the day. They were a bit embarrassed, really."

The police, from forces in and around London, were due to have breakfast and receive briefings at the venue. One officer confirmed that the Met Commissioner was present, along with a tv crew.