Atlanta police have swarmed the area near a city park where Occupy Atlanta protesters had gathered with the intent of staying overnight.

Police officers converged on the area near Woodruff Park on motorcycles, horseback and in riot gear soon after its 11pm Saturday (0300 GMT Sunday) closing time.

Police began herding protesters away from the park and installed barricades around it. A police helicopter flew overhead.

While most protesters left the park, police arrested at least two people who stayed. Demonstrators chanted and yelled to protest the show of force.

Organisers had said earlier they planned to hold a rally and stay overnight despite warnings that anyone who stayed past closing would be arrested.

Police on October 26 arrested more than 50 people they say were violating a city ordinance by staying in the park after closing.   [Associated Press]