Protesters who have camped outside St. Paul's Cathedral in central London for six days have forced the cathedral to close to visitors for the first time since the Second World War, church officials said Friday.

The Dean of St. Paul's, Rev. Graeme Knowles, said the decision to shut the doors of the venerated church to visitors following the afternoon service was made with "heavy hearts."

Knowles acknowledged that the demonstrators, who have banded under the name Occupy the London Stock Exchange, have been peaceful and the atmosphere has been good. He added that there is "something profound about protest being made and heard in front of this most holy place."

Still, he urged the protesters — numbering roughly 500, according to organizers — to leave now that they have made their point.

He cited health, safety and fire concerns — notably the presence of flammable liquids and stoves set up by protesters — as being at the heart of the issue because the church has an obligation to keep visitors safe.

"I'm asking the protesters to recognize the huge issues we face, asking them to leave the vicinity of the building so it can open as soon as possible," he told reporters.

Knowles said he recognizes the group's right to protest but wants them to recognize that the church also has "a right to open for our visitors."

Closure unnecessary, protesters say

"We are disappointed to learn that that the management of St Paul’s have decided to close the cathedral this afternoon," said the protest organizers in a statement.

The protesters, who have placed about 100 tents on church grounds, arrived last Saturday as part of a series of protests in many cities throughout the world in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street activists in New York.

"Since the beginning of the occupation six days ago, OccupyLSX have tried hard to accommodate the cathedral’s concerns in any way we can," the statement explained, adding that demonstrators have reorganized the camp in response to feedback from the fire officials and respected the barriers preserving access to the side door of the cathedral.

Protester Ian Chamberlain, 27, said the group is in no hurry to leave despite the dean's plea. For days they have braved chilly weather with the help of donated food and blankets.

"It's about deciding when it's no longer effective to be here," he said. "Many of us are determined to stay here as long as possible.”

Protester Diane Richards, 36, said the cathedral closure was unnecessary because the impromptu camp has been safe and well organized.

"I'm really disappointed, because there has been no violence here," she said of the decision, which church officials had hinted at in recent days.

Earlier this week, the church said the "increased scale and nature" of the temporary camp could make it more difficult for the cathedral to stay open for worshippers and tourists.

Sunday services have been suspended as part of the closure, but the BBC reports small gatherings of 100 people or less will be allowed in for scheduled weddings.