Fees protesters leave Birmingham City Council chamber

Students who entered Birmingham City Council's chamber have left after holding what police described as a four-hour "peaceful protest".

A group of protesters went into in the chamber after a larger group gathered in the city centre as part of a third national day of action.

Police said it "couldn't have been more different from the violent clashes seen recently in London".

They thanked the students for their controlled, sensible manner.

The students left at about 1700 GMT after going into the building at about 1300 GMT.

A police spokesman said: "Officers and police negotiators stayed with the remaining protesters, who congregated in a room at the council buildings, and remained with them until they left of their own accord."

Demonstrations were also held in London, Leeds, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Manchester and Bristol.

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