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Officials have four times been forced to extinguish the Olympic Torch flame to escape from anti-China protesters.

The finale to the ceremony was subsequently cancelled to avoid further trouble.

The torch - beset by demonstrations in London on Sunday - was being escorted by a heavy police presence in the French capital, including some officers on roller blades, en route from the Eiffel Tower to the Charlety Stadium.

It was stopped on a road next to the Seine by demonstrators carrying Tibetan flags. Officials took it on board a bus where it had to be extinguished.

The torch carrier later disembarked and the flame was relit only to be extinguished again when more protesters arrived.

The trouble came despite the deployment of over 3,000 police officers along the 28 kilometres route. At least four arrests have been made.

Former 400m hurdles world champion Stephane Diagana was the first person to carry the torch, leading off the procession from the Eiffel Tower at 12.35pm local time.

Diagana admitted he gave careful consideration to taking part. "I have thought about it for a long time and I do not agree with a boycott of the Games. That will serve nothing," he said.

Diagana was one of 80 people due to carry the torch, which had to be extinguished a further two more times as it continued its progress.