US PRESIDENT Barack Obama landed on British soil last night as world leaders gathered for the G20 summit.
Mr Obama arrived at Stansted airport, near Chelmsford, Essex, on Air Force One after travelling from an air base near Washington DC.
He touched down at 7.50pm for his first visit to Europe since being elected as president.
Police launched a major security operation around the airport ahead of the arrival.
Mr Obama was greeted 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.
In central London, a small crowd gathered in Regent’s Park to await the arrival of the president on Marine One.
Benedict O’Looney, 42, an architect from Peckham, south London, said: “We are here because we are so relieved that there is now a breath of progressive wind blowing over from the United States.
Mr Obama went to Winfield House, the ambassador’s residence, where there was a large security presence.
A perimeter fence had been erected around the residence with police in high-visibility jackets stationed every 50 yards and armed officers on patrol.
All routes towards the embassy within the park were blocked off, with American security officers accompanying British police.
Marine One lifted off shortly after 8pm – about two minutes after the president emerged from Air Force One.
The president’s arrival was watched by a small group of journalists and Stansted airport staff.
Members of his entourage, including American journalists, were airlifted to London in American military Chinook helicopters.
Mr Darling had travelled by train from London to Stansted to greet the president on behalf of the British Government.
Mr and Mrs Obama waved as they emerged from Air Force One but did not speak to watching journalists.
Mr Obama was due to meet American embassy employees at London's American School following his helicopter ride to the capital.
The first helicopter appeared as a light on the horizon, swooping low beneath the tree line before appearing as a silhouette for a brief moment and landing at the ambassador’s residence.
