St Paul’s Cathedral has been forced to close its doors for the first time since World War II because of protests against capitalism.

Dean of St Paul’s, the Rt Rev Graeme Knowles said health and safety concerns had led to the decision.

Sunday church services have also been suspended at the cathedral, which is situated in London's financial district.

Despite the disruption, demonstrators from Occupy London Stock Exchange say they will remain camped outside the building.

They have been there since last Saturday, after the Occupy Wall Street demonstration in New York went global.

Cathedral officials had warned earlier in the week that closure was a possibility because of the “risk to the life of the cathedral posed by the current situation”.

Protesters have been asked to move away from the area by the entrance.

“We have a legal obligation to keep visitors safe and healthy,” the dean said.