Gay pride marchers attacked

Tallinn - At least 15 people were injured in a gay pride march in Tallinn, Estonia, on Saturday, when about 20 anti-gay protesters attacked marchers with sticks and stones.

"At least half a dozen people were injured and treated by the emergency services as a result of the attack by the gang," said Lisette Kampus, a spokesperson for the parade.

It is Estonia's third annual gay pride march.

"One demonstrator, a Frenchman, received a bad head injury," she told AFP.

March organisers said about 20 young men had attacked marchers as they walked in the old part of the capital at about 15:30.

Estonia's previous two gay pride events, held last year and in 2004, took place without major incidents or reports of violence against the marchers.

This year's colourful march set off 20 minutes late after police received a phone call that bombs would explode in Tallinn's old town shortly before the event began.

No explosive devices were found.