POLICE could be given powers to ban known hooligans from attending marches and rallies, the Home Secretary said yesterday.

Theresa May told MPs she was looking at beefing up the laws to prevent a repeat of the violence that marred Saturday's protest.

She said: "I will look at powers allowing police to remove masks and balaclavas. If forces need more help, I will grant it to them.

"The message to those who carry out violence is clear – you will be caught and punished."

More than 50 police officers were hurt – 12 needing hospital treatment – and shops were attacked when the march was hijacked by 200 anarchist thugs, 149 of who have been charged.

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said people were "fed up" with such violence, adding: "This behaviour is no form of protest, it is thuggery of the worst kind."