Three demonstrations have been held with pupils as young as 12 campaigning against the Government. There has been some violence with vandalism and police vehicles smashed and spray painted. The police had warned parents not to let their children take part.

Commander Broadhurst said:“School children have as much right as anyone else to protest but young people are more vulnerable and likely to be injured if violence breaks out.”

The protests are taking place because many people are angry that Government plans could see university fees rise to £9,000 a year with other cuts made to education. At the moment fees are £3,290 a year.

Students won’t pay the university fees while they are studying but afterwards when they earn over a certain amount of money. The worry is that many young people will be put off going into higher education because of the debt they will have to pay off later in life.