<p><br /> Police are risking "another Ian Tomlinson" with their approach to the tuition fee protests, a student leader has claimed.<br /> </p><p><br /> Simon Hardy, co-organiser of the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, said it was only a matter of time before somebody was killed on one of the recurrent demonstrations.<br /> </p><p><br /> Giving evidence to MPs and peers on the Joint Committee on Human Rights, he criticised the Metropolitan Police for "kettling" and using violence during recent protests around Westminster.<br /> </p><p><br /> He insisted there was "an absolute democratic right" to protest but that police tactics could result in the death of a demonstrator.<br /> </p><p><br /> Mr Hardy cited the case of Alfie Meadows, the 20-year-old who needed brain surgery after allegedly being hit by a police truncheon during the December 9 demonstration.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Met faced heavy criticism after newspaper vendor Ian Tomlinson died after being hit by a policeman during the G20 protests in London last year.<br /> </p><p><br /> Aaron Porter, president of the National Union of Students, asked the committee to investigate claims that police used aggression against protesters during the November 24 demonstration.<br /> </p><p><br /> Mr Porter also criticised the use of kettling, describing it as "an unnecessary use of force" which was not "conducive to creating a calm and peaceful protest".<br /> </p><p><br /> Chris Allison, assistant commissioner at Scotland Yard, said kettling - or containment - had only been used as "a last resort" during the student protests.<br /> </p>
