Violence breaks out at tuition fees march - The Press Association

(UKPA) – 47 minutes ago

Scenes at the tuition fees demonstration in London have turned violent, with missiles being thrown at police officers.

After a period of calm with the students contained in Trafalgar Square, the crowd suddenly rushed at police alongside Canada House. One man was wrestled to the ground by officers, before the protesters hurled traffic cones in response.

There were several loud explosions as fireworks were set off.

A Met spokesman said: "There are around 500 protesters in Trafalgar Square. We have set up cordons around this area with police at exit points. In small groups the protesters are being encouraged to leave the area via these exit points.

"The agreed protest time was between 12-2pm and this is now over, so we are encouraging protesters to leave Trafalgar Square, enabling Londoners to get back to their normal routine. Protesters are not being allowed down Whitehall."

Earlier, traffic chaos was caused as demonstrators fled police over fears they would be penned in.

Thousands of people scattered through the West End after they were confronted with massed ranks of police in Whitehall. They split into separate marches which wound slowly through some of the capital's busiest shopping and business districts, including Piccadilly Circus and the Strand.

The Metropolitan Police denied plans to "kettle" protesters and said officers formed a cordon to guide the march away from gas works. A spokesman said the march started from Trafalgar Square earlier than agreed, catching police off-guard as they were not ready to escort it.

Two people have been arrested for public order offences but there has been no repeat of high-profile disorder seen during two previous marches. Police said the spontaneous marches have been largely peaceful but contributed to traffic disruption in the capital caused by snowfall and icy conditions.

The renewed protest, dubbed Day X and the third in recent weeks, came as MPs considered the proposals in an opposition day debate. Demonstrations, marches, occupations and vigils have also been held in Cambridge, Brighton, Newcastle, Bath, Nottingham, Bristol and Cardiff.

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