At least nine hospitalized after student protest in London turns violent

[News_Editor]

At least nine hospitalized after student protest in London turns violent

2010-11-11 00:48:22 GMT+7 (ICT)

LONDON (BNO NEWS) -- At least nine people have been hospitalized after thousands of students and lecturers on Wednesday protesting in London against plans to increase tuition fees and cut university funding in England resulted in violent clashes with local police.

As protesters broke into the Conservative Party headquarters in Westminster and set several banners on fire outside, National Union of Students President Aaron Porter has described the violence as "despicable."

"This was not part of our plan," Porter said. "This action was by others who have come out and used this opportunity to hijack a peaceful protest."

A violent stand-off between chanting students and police at Milibank Tower - located next to the River Thames in central London - is taking place, but reports indicate that the majority of the protests have remained peaceful as only a "small minority" has damaged property.

Protesters occupied the building by smashing their way in through windows while chanting "die Tory scum." Missiles have reportedly been thrown at the police, as well as rocks, wooden banners, eggs, rotten fruit, and shards of glass. Of the nine hospitalized, two are police officers, who have been pushing back the crowsd with batons and riot shields.

"Reserves are on the scene and there is a containment operation at Millbank. Our primary concern is public safety," said deputy assistant commissioner Rose Fitzpatrick. "We were planning for a peaceful demonstration and we are very disappointed that some people chose not to demonstrate peacefully."

Numbers vary, but between 30,000 and 52,000 people from different parts of England traveled to London in order to gather and participate in the demonstrations.

An undisclosed number people have been arrested.

The plan of rising tuition fees starting in 2012 would have a lower cap at £6,000 ($9,617), with universities able to charge up to £9,000 ($14,426), which is three times the current cap. In addition, university funding would be cut by 40 percent, eliminating teaching grants as well, with the exception for math and science.

The costs of teaching other courses would be funded by tuition fees.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-11-11