Protesters storm into Thailand's parliament

Anti-government protesters stormed into Thailand's parliament today as MPs scaled walls to flee and a helicopter evacuation of others still trapped inside was being prepared, Thai TV and officials said.

Demonstrators, led by one of their hardcore leaders, smashed through the parliament compound gate with a truck and rushed to the second floor. Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban was still inside the building.

The protesters later withdrew at the request of opposition MPs.

Earlier, a session of parliament was aborted as several thousand demonstrators ringed the compound.