PRO-DEMOCRACY ­protesters have descended on central London as the Occupy movement gathered to set up camp outside Parliament.

Organisers called for supporters to "return to Parliament Square" outside the Palace of Westminster from 6pm until late tomorrow.

Police have warned protesters they are banned from setting up camp at the landmark, as Scotland Yard insisted it had "an appropriate and proportionate police plan in place" for the event.

Dozens of officers were stationed in front of fencing placed around Parliament Square to prevent access to the site.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said it attempted to make contact with organisers but the group had "failed to engage" with the police force.

The force confirmed a Section 60 AA order was in place.

Protester Tom Kay, 21, from Sheffield, said: "Protest is legal in this country and I think we should be able to protest where we want."