Thousands of students have taken to the streets in a largely peaceful protest against Government cuts and university fee hikes.

A handful of arrests were made as demonstrators marched through central London, with a half-hearted attempt to storm Tory HQ thwarted by police.

But Scotland Yard reported no serious violence or disorder during the event, in marked contrast to earlier protests.

Ill-feeling over proposals to raise tuition fees and scrap the Education Maintenance Allowance had led to ugly scenes at previous demonstrations in the capital.

Thousands also attended a rally in Manchester organised by students and trade unions.

There were 16 arrests after disturbances when a group broke away from the main body of protesters.

Students are protesting against coalition proposals which would see universities charge them up to £6,000 a year, or £9,000 a year in "exceptional circumstances".