A number of residents said the mood of reverence during the two minutes' silence was ruined by noisy workmen.

Greta Kosky, of Granville Road, Hove, said labourers from Colas Highway Services continued digging near her house all morning without stopping for the two minutes' silence.

Ms Kosky, 50, said: "The noise was terrific and I could hardly hear a word.

"Surely they could have rescheduled. I think it was awful."

David Broadhead, a spokesman for the company, which is based in Rowfant, near Crawley, said: "We deeply regret any inconvenience caused. The majority of the workforce elected to respect the two minutes' silence.

"It is very difficult for us as an employer to enforce a silence."