THE tuition fees vote was passed by 21 votes last night as thousands of students clashed with riot police and started fires in Parliament Square.

One police officer was knocked unconscious and seriously injured after an estimated 20,000-strong march ended in violent attacks by a minority.

Mid Dorset and North Poole Liberal Democrat MP Annette Brooke met the objecting students earlier in the day and voted against the increase.

She said: “I accept that coalition means compromise – but I cannot accept tuition fees at these levels.”

MPs voted to allow universities to charge up to £9,000 a year in tuition fees.

Around 100 students from Bournemouth University and the Arts University College at Bournemouth (AUCB) travelled to London and took part in a peaceful rally.

They handed over letters backed with 1,500 signatures against the fees to Bournemouth’s MPs and Mrs Brooke.

Conor Burns, Bournemouth West MP, said: “I don’t think the people setting light to everything outside are representative of most students, unlike the highly articulate ones who came to talk to us.”

The National Union of Students (NUS) organised a peaceful candlelit rally but fringe groups later attacked police lines with snooker balls, flares and sticks.

Steven Driscoll, from the Student’s Union of Bournemouth University (SUBU), said as far as he was aware none of their members had been injured, adding: “I know the president will have tried to keep them away from trouble.”

New Forest MP Desmond Swayne said MPs were unable to hear the clashes outside.

He said: “Every time I have been out to ask students, none of them had any idea of the details they are protesting against.

“I think we have put together a very good package. Students from poorer backgrounds will be significantly better off.”

John Brissenden, Bournemouth University secretary of the lecturers’ union, tweeted from the rally that he was “kettled” but could not be contacted by phone.

Ko Leech, from SUBU, said both Bournemouth MPs agreed to address Bournemouth students about why they voted in favour.

A report by the lecturers union, the UCU, said the AUCB is now amongst the most “at risk” universities in the country. AUCB Principal Stuart Bartholomew said: “The international reputation we have built, together with our sound financial health expertise, will ensure our successful future.”