A protester threw a shoe at Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and called him a dictator as he delivered a speech on the global economy in England yesterday.

The shoe missed Mr Wen and landed on the stage about a metre away from him during an address at Cambridge University in eastern England, a witness said.

The protest mirrored the hurling of shoes by an Iraqi journalist at US President George W. Bush on his farewell visit to Iraq in December.

The protester, who was held by university security guards, blew a whistle and then shouted: "How can the university prostitute itself with this dictator?"

Mr Wen hesitated for a few moments in his speech before continuing speaking. University officials bundled the protester out of the building and security guards fanned out across the stage.

After the protest, Mr Wen continued his speech, saying: "We come in peace. This is not going to obstruct China-UK friendships. History shows harmony will not be obstructed by any force, so would you let me continue."

A police spokesman said officers arrested the man for a public order offence. She gave no more details about him. About 80 people, both supporters and critics of China, had earlier gathered outside the venue. There was a large police presence in the city and security guards within the building.

Groups of anti-China protesters, including pro-Tibet campaigners, have followed the Chinese premier during his visit to Britain.

On Sunday, police arrested five pro-Tibet demonstrators after they broke through police lines as Mr Wen arrived at the Chinese embassy in London.