Students 'punched and dragged to the ground by their hair' as police break up sit-in

Students today accused police of a “heavy-handed” response as more than 100 officers armed with batons broke up a sit-in at the University of London.

Three people were arrested amid chaotic scenes as around 60 demonstrators barricaded themselves into Senate House.

Students were protesting against the threats to close the University of London Union (ULU) and campaigning for sick pay, holiday pay and pensions for contract staff.

Officers were called by university authorities at 3pm and clashed with protesters both inside and outside Senate House as more demonstrators gathered in Malet Street.

Police remained at the scene until shortly after 11pm.

A 24-year-old student and part-time teacher told the Standard: "I have never seen a student occupation treated like this. This was a civic matter, but the university got at least 100 police officers in to deal with it which seems extremely heavy-handed."

A statement from ULU said: "We are still investigating what happened but initial reports indicate protesters were assaulted by both police and security, thrown to the ground, kicked and punched, and dragged to the ground by their hair. When supporters gathered outside to show support for the occupation, they were beaten back and assaulted.

"Occupations are a legitimate form of dissent. When our university shuts down our student union, and are utterly unaccountable to the students and staff that give it life and make it function, students have no choice but to gain leverage in whatever way they can."

A Scotland Yard spokesman said one person had been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer. Two others were arrested to prevent a breach of the peace and were later released.

He described the police response as "appropriate", adding: "Anyone with concerns about officers’ actions should report them to their local police station or via the 101 non-emergency number."

Protesters later moved to Holborn where they stayed until the early hours of this morning, demanding the release of the demonstrator still being held.

Chris Cobb, chief operating officer and university secretary said: “This was a disgraceful and aggressive act, which placed the safety of our staff at risk. The University will always support peaceful and legitimate protest, but invading our working environment and blocking fire escapes is potentially life threatening and plays no part in democratic dissent.

“The University will never under any circumstances enter into a dialogue with any group or group of individuals who adopt this approach.”