St Paul’s Cathedral may be forced to close its doors in light of the growing number of anti-capitalist protesters setting up camp outside.

Officials at the cathedral initially welcomed protesters but said they were now reviewing the situation due to the “increased scale and nature of the protest camp” since it first sprung up on Saturday.

The churchyard has attracted protesters due to the cathedral’s location in London’s financial district.

The cathedral has asked protesters to respect its need to provide worship and to “acknowledge the risk to the life of the cathedral posed by the current situation”.

“The cathedral has managed so far to remain open on a reduced basis,” a statement read.

“The increased scale and nature of the protest camp is such that to act safely and responsibly the cathedral must now review the extent to which it can remain open for the many thousands coming this week as worshippers, visitors and in school parties.

“Is it now time for the protest camp to leave? The consequences of a decision to close St Paul’s cannot be taken lightly’.”

Protests spread to London after anti-capitalist campaigners occupied Wall Street in New York. Some of the protesters have expressed their intention to stay outside St Paul’s until the New Year.