Student in court charged over London riot

A student will appear in court today accused of throwing a fire extinguisher from a seventh floor rooftop during the Millbank riot.

Edward Woollard, 18, was arrested five days after violent clashes at a building housing the Tory party headquarters in central London.

He is due to appear on bail at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with causing violent disorder.

The court hearing was expected to take place as thousands of people take to the streets once again to protest against proposed increases to tuition fees.

Woollard was one of more than 50 people arrested after dozens of people forced their way into the complex of buildings two weeks ago.

Windows were smashed, furniture vandalised and missiles, including the metal fire extinguisher, flung at police.

Police released images of 11 protesters suspected of committing criminal offences, including aggravated trespass and criminal damage.

Many were captured on CCTV cameras inside the office complex, as well as by a camera mounted on a police helicopter hovering overhead.

A four-hour stand-off ended when police brought in more than 100 extra officers to clear the building and the road outside.

Woollard, of Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, was released on conditional bail by District Judge Caroline Tubbs last Wednesday.

He is represented by solicitor Matt Foot who asked for an adjournment to view video footage of the incident.

Violent disorder is an offence under the Public Order Act. The maximum sentence is five years in jail.