POLICE smashed their way into Oxford University’s Radcliffe Camera last night to haul out 37 student protesters.

More than 100 students from Oxford’s universities, colleges and schools stormed the building on Wednesday during a march against Government proposals to raise tuition fees and occupied it for about 27 hours.

Dozens of them spent Wednesday night there and were pledged to stay until Oxford University’s Vice Chancellor, Andrew Hamilton, vowed not raise tuition fees.

But the university yesterday asked police to go into the library, which had been sealed from other students during the day. It gave them consent to damage the library’s iconic door.

Officers from across the Thames Valley forced their way in at 4.30pm yesterday, accompanied by the University Marshal.

They told students they faced arrest unless they left, and then removed them from the building. Protesters were searched but not arrested.

Oxford University student Simon Little, 21, said: “We were upstairs and heard a noise from below as the police smashed their way in through one of the doors.

“Fifteen or 20 rushed up the stairs and managed to get the front door open.

“They dragged us out, and people were linking arms to make it more difficult. I was surprised, as I was assuming they would wait it out and hope we would lose interest at some point.

“I thought they wouldn’t want to damage a historic building.”

He added: “We made a powerful statement but we need to go further with more action like this from now on.”

Footage filmed on Wednesday has been posted on You Tube showing students dancing on furniture as a sound system booms music around the Grade I listed library.

Food was smuggled through the windows on Wednesday night, and 12 more protesters joined in.

Although library staff were allowed in and out of the building to work their shifts yesterday, other students were prevented from joining protesters by university security guards.

Inside, students said they spent the day holding debates and workshops.

Genevive Dawson, who is studying music at St Hugh’s College, said: “We had an incredible morning. We put on some smooth beats, some James Brown, and then did some morning yoga.

“We have had a lot of support from people. I think the public are on our side.”

Inspector Stewart Dunbar, who led the operation, said: “We told them that if they did not leave immediately they would be liable to arrest, and reluctantly they left.

“We have taken evidence and filmed the inside of the building, but we can’t say at this stage whether any criminal offence was committed inside.”

He said the damage to the door of the library has been caused with the university’s consent while entering.