Numbers of protesters swelled and by the time Thatcher’s coffin went by at 10.45 police at the scene estimated there were about 300 protesters.

When the funeral procession came into view along Fleet Street many chose to stand in silence with their back to Thatcher’s coffin, others chanted “waste of money” and “Tory scum”.

The atmosphere was tense, with military personnel gathered at the other side of the road, clapping and cheering.

Dave Winslow, 22, an anthropology student from Durham who was holding an acrylic placard reading “Rest of us in Poverty” and wearing a T-shirt with the messages “Power to the people” and “Society does exist”, was one of those who wanted a silent protest.