Black-clad protesters attacked police and set a customs station ablaze today on a bridge linking France and Germany which served hours earlier as the backdrop for a show of unity by Nato leaders.

Police in France and Germany prepared today to protect Nato’s 60th anniversary summit after quelling violent protests on the eve of the gathering with tear gas, rubber bullets and the detention of hundreds of protesters.

US President Barack Obama heads to London on Tuesday for his first overseas trip since taking office, to take part in the economic summit of 20 major and developing nations that together represent more than 85% of the global economy.