Naked streaker targets Olympic torch relay

The incident -- the first of its kind ahead of the London Games, which start on July 27 -- came hours before Queen Elizabeth II was due to see the torch handed over at Windsor Castle.

The young man -- who had "Free Tibet" written on his back -- sprinted past cheering crowds, smiling broadly.

The incident happened seconds before the Olympic torch itself passed by the crowds.

He was tackled by police after a short distance, arrested and taken for questioning after being covered with a blanket.

A spokeswoman for Thames Valley Police said: "A 27-year-old man from Henley has been arrested on suspicion of outraging public decency and is in custody."

The streaker struck on a day when a series of sporting greats and other celebrities were to carry the flame, with a total of 111 people taking it 87 miles.

Athletics legend Roger Bannister began the relay on day 53 of the torch's journey, carrying the flame at the Oxford track where in 1954 he became the first man to run a mile in less than four minutes.

After the streaker's removal, five-times Olympic rowing gold medallist Steve Redgrave and seven others carried the flame as they rowed along the River Thames -- covering part of the rowing course of the 1908 and 1948 Olympics -- as thousands of spectators cheered them on.

The torch is also heading to Windsor Castle, where the queen and Prince Philip will greet its arrival.