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Students today blocked Westminster Bridge during a protest over cuts to maintenance grants.

Activists gathered in Parliament Square in opposition to the government's plan to scrap maintenance grants for the poorest students in England and replace them with loans.

The static demonstration was organised by pressure group the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts.

It comes as Labour MPs prepared to put forward a motion calling for the government to reverse its decision to remove non-repayable grants.

Students currently staging a sit-down protest on Westminster bridge against grant cuts #ldn #freeeducation ... https://t.co/btTU0qrk51 — James Cropper (@JamesCropper95) January 19, 2016

Heavy police presence on Westminster Bridge. One lane remains closed #GrantsNotDebt pic.twitter.com/KvuMagyHZP — Megan (@whatmegandid) January 19, 2016

Hope Worsdale, from the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, said: "This is not only a direct attack on working class students, but it also shows the government's flagrant disregard for the most basic democratic processes.

"The Tories are clearly scared of having their policies scrutinised and exposed to public anger."

The government has said the changes to the system will mean students will be given extra support.

There was previously a means-tested approach to loans for student living costs, with poorer students given up to £3,387 in grants for living costs.

But under a new system, all students will need to repay any financial help they are given once they are earning at least £21,000 per year.

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "Police were aware of a protest due to be held in Parliament Square from 12:30hrs on Tuesday, 19 January.

"At approximately 13:15hrs, the group headed towards Westminster Bridge where they entered the carriageway. The bridge remains closed southbound.

"Officers are in attendance and are speaking with the protestors.

"An appropriate policing plan is in place."