Police thwarted an attempt on Wednesday by climate activists to beak into the venue of the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen where negotiators were trying to work out a deal on global warming.

At least hundreds of activists were prevented from nearing the closely guarded venue, the Bella Center, by police cordons, and some activists clashed with police who beat them with clubs, a Xinhua photographer said. At least one woman was injured, he said.

The march was reportedly organized by environmental groups Climate Justice Action and Climate Justice Now.

Inside the conference center, ministers and other negotiators were trying to clinch an agreement before world leaders arrive.

(Xinhua News Agency December 16, 2009)