Tens of thousands of people across the world have taken part in a day of demonstrations against the bloody crackdown on anti-government protests in Myanmar. The action failed to bring large numbers on to the streets in Asia, but several thousand marched through London waving placards and wearing red headbands to show solidarity with detained monks. There were similar scenes in the French, Belgian and Austrian capitals.

The marches come as Western powers at the United Nations discussed ways to condemn the junta and put pressure on it to open up a dialogue with the opposition. On Friday UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari warned Myanmar’s military rulers of “serious international repercussions” if they do not move towards democracy.

China and Russia remain opposed to sanctions, saying the situation in Myanmar is an internal affair that does not threaten international peace and security.

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