Angry protestors clashed with police outside Parliament last night as MPs resumed their impassioned debate on hunting with dogs.

One man was arrest for assault on police but later released, while a further five demonstrators were held as 3,000 pro-hunting marchers descended on Westminster.

Mounted police were forced to hold back demonstrators from the gates of Parliament as scuffles broke out in Parliament Square while MPs debated the Government's Hunting Bill.

The Bill proposes to outlaw stag hunting and hare coursing while allowing foxhunting with hounds to continue under licence.

About 2,300 Countryside Alliance supporters, who had prior agreement of the police, marched from Hyde Park to Horseferry Road while a further 700 to 800 protestors, believed to be supporters of the Countryside Action Network, converged on Parliament Square.

Beginning the debate in the Commons, Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael hit out at the protestors, saying nothing better illustrated the "tribal nature" of the debate than the noisy demonstration outside.

With MPs being warned of a "serious disturbance" outside the main entrance to the Commons, he urged those involved to respect the right of Parliament to decide on the issue.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Trotter said: "I'm thoroughly disappointed by totally unreasonable actions of a significant number of protestors gathered in Parliament Square for this demonstration, and also saddened that they felt the need to behave in such a manner.

"Not only have they failed to keep to prior agreements with police, but they have shown pure recklessness by throwing fireworks in the area and even destroying part of a builder's hoarding designed to keep the public safe."