President Barack Obama arrived at Stansted Airport last night ahead of the G20 summit in London.

US President Barack Obama arrived at Stansted Airport tonight as world leaders gather for the G20 summit.

The President accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama arrived on Air Force after travelling from an airbase near Washington DC.

They landed on British soil at 7.50pm, Mr Obama's first visit to Europe since being elected as President.

Mr Obama was met by Chancellor Alistair Darling after walking down the steps of the Bowing 747, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama.

He then walked to his helicopter - Marine One - a Black Hawk flown in from America, to be taken to London.

A major security operation was launched around Stansted Airport ahead of the arrival of the President's plane.

In central London, a small crowd was gathering in Regent's Park to await the arrival of the president on Marine One.