Violent clashes between students and police in London (Extra)

Dec 9, 2010, 15:59 GMT

London - Violent clashes between police and student demonstrators erupted in central London Thursday amid reports of injuries on both sides, the BBC said.

Police on horseback charged into the crowd outside Westminster Abbey to push the demonstrators back from the Houses of Parliament.

Groups of protestors had earlier broken through police lines, hurling metal barriers, sticks, paintballs, and other missiles.

BBC TV showed footage of one demonstrators being carried away by police, reportedly with a head injury. Police officers were also reported to have suffered injuries.

Inside, parliament members debated a planned increase in annual tuition fees, from the current level of 3,290 pounds (5,200 dollars) to a maximum of 9,000 pounds.

The measures have proved to be the first crucial test for the Conservative-Liberal government since it came to power in May.

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