South Korean police chiefs warned Friday that any illegal attempt to disrupt the Beijing Olympic flame relay will be severely punished.

The national police agency said that officers will arrest and bring to justice those who attempt to grab the Olympic torch . Protestors who go too far are to be punished according to criminal law and other relevant laws concerning rallies and demonstrations, road traffic and outdoor advertisement regulations.

In a meeting chaired by Eo Cheon-soo, commissioner general of the national police agency, earlier Friday, officials discussed security measures for the torch relay and decided to dispatch 8,287 police officers to ensure the security of the event.

More than 20 bicycle patrol officers along with 120 officers who are marathon running enthusiasts will escort the torch bearer.

During the torch relay, the authorities will also deploy police along the route to deal with any emergency.

The Beijing Olympic flame relay is to be staged in Seoul Sunday.

(Xinhua News Agency April 26, 2008)