Demonstrators storm the House of Commons

FIVE protesters stormed the House of Commons last night, ahead of a decision by MPs to ban fox hunting and hare coursing.

There were also violent clashes between police and protesters in Parliament Square as thousands of hunting supporters voiced their opposition to the Bill.

On a free vote, MPs came out in favour of the ban in England and Wales - by 356 votes to 166, a majority of 190.

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael told the Commons the issue had taken up Parliament's time year after year and must be brought to a conclusion.

The Government had been "patient" and had "tried to get the two sides to listen to each other and to find ways forward that were less divisive than the two extremes which are so shrill on this debate."

He warned: "But it has become clear that the views are so polarised that it's impossible to deal with in that way."

The Bill is being rushed through the Commons in a single day, and the Government has made clear that if the Lords oppose the move the Parliament Act will be invoked to ensure it becomes law.

But the already bitter debate was marred by the clashes outside Parliament and another extraordinary security lapse in the Commons, with protesters haranguing Mr Michael in the chamber before being finally wrestled to the ground and bundled out by security staff.

Armed police were last night guarding the Commons chamber after the protesters appeared to have gained access through the "No" division lobby which runs down the side of the floor of the House.

Four ran in to confront MPs from its exit behind Speaker Michael Martin's chair and another escaped the clutches of security staff to come into the chamber from its entrance by the Members' Lobby.

Outside the Commons there was a fierce clash between protesters and the police, which left 16 demonstrators and one police officer injured.

Police said protesters had tried to break through a cordon in Parliament Square and hurled sticks, bottles and barriers at officers.

But they said it was the action of a "small minority" among the mainly peaceful demonstration.