New arrests over student protests

Police investigating disorder during the tuition fee demonstrations have arrested two more people.

A 21-year-old man arrested in Sussex became the 35th person to be held following the violence on Thursday. Later, a 17-year-old male handed himself in at a central London police station where he was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

Prime Minister David Cameron had earlier demanded that demonstrators who defaced war memorials and attacked the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in their car face the “full force of the law”.

He warned that it was not possible to blame the distressing scenes on a small militant element when so many in the crowd were acting in an “absolutely feral way”.

Scotland Yard said a 21-year-old man was arrested at his home address in Sussex and was held on suspicion of violent disorder and attempted criminal damage of the Union flag on the Cenotaph on December 9. He was taken to a Sussex police station where he was also arrested on suspicion of theft.

Scotland Yard has also released pictures of several people who are wanted in connection with violence during the demonstrations.

Detective Chief Superintendent Matthew Horne, leading the investigation, said: “The rights of protest and expression are important to us all. However, people breaking the law, endangering those protesting peacefully and committing offences such as this are criminals. We will investigate them and where we have the evidence we will arrest them. If you know who any of these people are, please let us know.”

Police launched a public order investigation, Operation Malone, to cover all fee protests held from November 10, when students stormed Tory headquarters in Millbank, until Thursday’s demonstration in Parliament Square.

A total of 175 people were arrested during the four demonstrations, including 34 who were detained on Thursday after havoc in central London left dozens of protesters and officers injured. The team, which is reviewing hours of CCTV and police footage, urged anyone with information about the suspects to call 020 8358 0100 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.