VIOLENCE broke out on Saturday as students in two UK cities scuffled with police during demonstrations against university fees.

A group of protesters in Manchester broke from the main demonstration and forced their way through police lines to head for the city centre.

Sky News reported bottles, bricks and other missiles were thrown at police by "several hundred people wearing masks," as officers battled to keep control. At least six people were arrested, police said, as they battled to keep control of the fast-moving protest.

In London, protesters again targeted the headquarters of the ruling Conservative government, Sky News reported.

Several protesters broke through police lines and made their way to the entrance of the Millbank Tower which was the scene of rioting on November 10 when protesters smashed windows and vandalised the building.

During that incident, a fire extinguisher was hurled from the top of the 118-metre tower, narrowly missing police officers crowded below.