Security Questioned After Royal Attack

The Prince of Wales and the Dutchess of Cornwall came under attack during last night's student protests in London.

En-route to the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium, the royal car approached Regent Street where protesters shattered the rear window and kicked the doors.

Although Charles and Camilla were not hurt, the attack has raised questions regarding royal security.

Following the MPs vote to raise tuition fees up to a maximum of £9,000, trouble has broken out across the city.

The Prime Minister condemned the attack and said those responsible must be punished.

He also expressed concern over the lapse in royal security but insisted the blame lay with those determined to use violence.

He said: "We want to learn the lessons from that but, above all, we want to make sure that the people who behaved in these appalling ways feel the full force of the law of the land."

Around 20 demonstrators attacked the vehicle, some shouting "Off with their heads!" and "Tory scum".

While leaving the Variety Performance Camilla joked about the incident saying: "First time for everything".

Police Officers then escorted the royal couple back to Clarence House in a marked police van, instead of the Royal car.

Sir Paul Stephenson, Scotland Yard Chief said: "That was a very shocking incident. The route was thoroughly recced in advance, including up to several minutes beforehand when the route was still clear.

"The unpredictability of thugs and how they moved about the capital meant the protection officers were placed in a very difficult position."

He added: "I do think that the officers who were protecting their Royal Highnesses

showed very real restraint - some of those officers were armed.

"Their priority was to get that car to the point of safety, which was the venue, and that was achieved, but it was a hugely shocking incident and there will be a full criminal investigation into it."

(BMcN)