The protesters marched past Sheffield Town Hall.

Justice and home affairs ministers from the world's most powerful countries arrive on Wednesday.

The march from Devonshire Green to the town hall was organised by Sheffield Stop the War Coalition.

Organisers claimed the war on terrorism is being used by justice ministers as an excuse to undermine civil liberties.

Liberties under attack

"They're some of the biggest war-mongers going," said Maxine Bowler, who stood as a Respect candidate in Sheffield in last month's general election.

"We're worried about the attack on civil liberties that is taking place and the way in which the war on terrorism is used to attack those civil liberties."

One of the march organisers, Alan Kenny, claimed that people in Sheffield were upset about the disruption the G8 meeting will cause.

"It makes people angry that there was no consultation," he added.

"Not one city councillor raised the issue or voiced any opposition."