University can send bailiffs to evict students in cuts protest

University chiefs have been granted an injunction to evict students who are in their fifth day of occupying a function room in protest at funding cuts and higher tuition fees.

The group, ensconced at the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies in Bloomsbury, condemned the "heavy-handed" move.

They took over the Brunei Gallery on Monday amid fears that SOAS will lose all its state funding under the Coalition's planned £4.3 billion cuts.

At University College London, meanwhile, more than 50 students entered their third day of occupation today. A UCL spokeswoman said there were no plans to evict them.

SOAS administrators were granted an injunction yesterday, giving the students until seven o'clock last night to leave. The college argued the protest constitutes a "risk to the building".

But as the deadline passed, the group voted for "non-violent resistance" against attempts to remove them. Today, as they expected the bailiffs "at any time", they described the atmosphere as "electric".

Students were playing harps and drums and they said that last night, Babyshambles bass guitarist Drew McConnell joined them and gave an impromptu concert. One said: "It was good for morale."

A 20-year-old history graduate, who did not want to be named, said: "They will have to drag us out. We won't fight them but we won't make it easy either."

He added that the legal action by SOAS had been "very unexpected" and that the students' pro bono barrister had not stood a chance as he had only five minutes to prepare a defence.

The SOAS students have a list of demands including that the principal, Paul Webley, should issue a statement ­publicly condemning funding cuts and a pledge not to raise tuition fees.

A spokeswoman for SOAS said the university does not enter into discussions with anyone occupying buildings, but has attempted to negotiate through the students' union.

She added: "This is not a course of action that we have taken lightly and would have much preferred to have addressed students' concerns through the established channels.

"We share the concerns of many about the implications of government proposals for higher education in general, and for SOAS in particular."

A headteacher has launched a written attack on protesters who "invaded" his school during a march against tuition fees.

Stephen Chamberlain accused the group of putting pupils "at risk" by entering The Hollyfield School in Surbiton during Wednesday's demonstrations.

Hundreds of protesters, mostly from Kingston University, chanted "Join us, join us" for around 10 minutes before leaving.

In a letter to parents, Mr Chamberlain wrote: "Our school was invaded by a large group of demonstrators. For many pupils this will have been frightening. I deeply regret they were subjected to such an appalling experience."