Fees protesters enter Birmingham City Council offices

At least 50 people have entered Birmingham City Council offices during a demonstration against plans to increase university tuition fees.

A group of protesters gathered in the city centre as part of a third national day of action across the UK.

A BBC journalist at the scene said there had been minor scuffles between the protesters and police and security.

There are also demonstrations in London, Leeds, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Manchester and Bristol.

A Birmingham City Council spokesman said the protesters entered the council chamber, but were demonstrating peacefully.

"We can confirm that at around 1.15pm a group of approximately 50 protesters gained access to the Council House. They are currently staging a peaceful protest within the main council chamber," the spokesman said.

"We continue to work with West Midlands Police to monitor the situation."

Campaigners are opposing rising tuition fees, which could triple to £9,000 under government proposals, which many students say they cannot afford.