Police: Student protesters 'intent on violence'

Police have defended their tactics in trying to contain protesters demonstrating in London against a rise in university tuition fees in England.

Student demonstrators clashed with police in Westminster as MPs debated plans to raise tuition fees to £9,000 a year. Fires were lit and flares set off.

Metropolitan Police Supt Julia Pendry said that some of those taking part in the protest has come to the capital "intent on causing violent disorder".