The Metropolitan Police are warning students planning to protest in the capital again this week that troublemakers are using the demonstrations purely as an excuse for violence.

Protests are planned for central London for both Wednesday and Thursday (8th and 9th December), but the Met Police are warning genuine protesters to beware of violent youths hijacking the events.

Commander Bob Broadhurst, head of the Met’s Public Order Branch, said: “We have seen groups of youths descending on the last few student protests as the day progresses, purely with the aim of using the event as a venue for violence and to attack police.

“It has been obvious that these particular elements are not genuine protesters and they have no intention of protesting about cuts to tuition fees or any other issue. They have turned up purely to take part in violence and disorder.

“We will work with all protesters who want to peacefully protest and we acknowledge and respect their right to do so, but I would warn them to be aware of this violent element, which could harm them and their cause.”

Commander Broadhurst said the Met was once again preparing for the two days of protests with the largest numbers of protesters expected to take to the streets of London on Thursday.

He reiterated a plea to parents to ensure they advised their children of the potential dangers of attending any protests, as young people were more vulnerable if violence broke out.

“Violence and disorder is often a result of a minority who are determined to cause trouble. Police officers will endeavour to assist young and vulnerable people as much as they can if violence breaks out during a protest, but there is only so much they can do once they are in a crowd of thousands”, said Commander Broadhurst.