Sydney braced for Bush visit

Construction of a massive security fence has begun in Sydney ahead of the visit of US President George Bush and other world leaders.

Australia has mounted its biggest ever security operation for next week's Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) meetings.

Thousands of protesters, demonstrating against the Iraq war and global warning, are expected to target the meetings, which will also be attended by Russian premier Vladimir Putin.

Police expect the protests to be violent and have barred 29 known protesters from the centre of Sydney.

"Our police, particularly in APEC, are not there to be punching bags, they are not there to be spat upon, they are not there to be assaulted," said state police commissioner Andrew Scipione.

"If people do that, our police will act appropriately, but they will be very decisive, it will be very rapid."

The Australian government has spent £68.5 million in the past six years preparing APEC security.

A total of 21 leaders are to attend the leaders' meeting on September 8 and 9.

There will be 3,500 police and a 1,500 defence force patrolling Sydney.

Fighter aircraft and police helicopters will enforce a 45 nautical mile restricted air space and a navy mine sweeper will patrol Sydney Harbour, along with navy divers, water police and special forces.

The city's underground railway network will be closed during the APEC weekend and motorists have been warned to stay out of the city as many roads will be closed.

The 5km long, 2.8m high, security fence will cut off the northern part of the central business district.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.