A green councillor has come under fire for apparently advocating violence against the Conservative Party’s headquarters.

Dozens were injured and 50 people arrested when more than 50,000 protested in London against rises in tuition fees.

After some vandalised the Conservative Party's headquarters, Brighton and Hove City Councillor Sven Rufus described the actions as a “valid expression” of protest.

Conservative council leader Mary Mears said she was “appalled” by the comments.

Coun Rufus responded: “While violence against others is wrong, civil disobedience is part of a historical tradition of using direct action to catalyse social progress, the Suffragettes being one example.”