Video: Police 'kettling' tactic slammed as tuition fees protest turns ugly

Violence erupted as the largest demonstration in Westminster again turned nasty – with 11 people and two police officers being injured in scenes reminiscent of the Millbank riot a fortnight ago.

Police were last night forced to defend their use of a controversial "kettling" tactic which saw thousands of protesting young people – including schoolchildren – held in impromptu pens for hours in the freezing November weather.

The children were among thousands across the UK who joined protests in every major city including Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool.

South Yorkshire Police said they were "disappointed" so many youngsters had played truant to join the protests.

The national day of action had been called in opposition to the coalition Government's plan to cut education funding and treble tuition fees to 9,000 a year.

Organisers said the marches,

occupations and sit-ins were an opportunity for protesters to

make their voices heard peacefully.

But in Westminster at least 32 protesters were arrested for offences including violent disorder, theft and criminal damage as barriers were thrown and fires lit in the street. The clashes centred around a stranded police van that was ransacked and looted a short distance from the entrance to Downing Street.

Two protesters were arrested in Cambridge for obstruction, one in Liverpool for egg-throwing and four in Manchester for public

order offences and obstruction.

Two people – one aged just 15 – were also arrested in Brighton.

A spokesman for Prime Minister David Cameron said: "People obviously have a right to engage in lawful and peaceful protest, but there is no place for violence or intimidation."