British police released dramatic footage today showing the moment a mob descended on a car carrying the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Senior officers hope the images will help them identify those responsible for the attack in Regent Street in London's West End.

A crowd of thugs who split from student tuition fee protests outside the Houses of Parliament descended on the distinctive Rolls-Royce Phantom VI.

The council CCTV camera shows the royal convoy, led by several motorcycle police outriders, slowing down as it is impeded by people in the road.

The camera pans across the vehicles as several people can be seen surrounding the Royal car, kicking and hitting it.

The footage showed one young woman following the royal car and hitting the back of it.

She was also caught on camera holding a man's hand and police want to trace him as a witness.

Another man was filmed running alongside the car and a third man grabbed the side of it before appearing to take a photograph.

At least three metal dustbins were also hurled at two other cars in the convoy which was travelling to Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium.

The Duchess was poked in the ribs with a stick, possibly part of a placard, through an open window and white paint thrown over the vehicle.

She was pictured looking shocked and distressed and they were forced to leave afterwards in the back of a police van.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson ordered an internal review which has been presented to Home Secretary Theresa May.

The woman, wearing a black coat, grey top and glasses, is also caught on camera as she breaks the rear window of another vehicle in the convoy with a dustbin.

One of the men caught running alongside the royal car and hitting it is wearing a black coat and hooded top.

The second man, seen hitting the rear right-hand passenger window, was wearing a grey hooded top and black jacket.

Senior officers have set up a specialist team of investigators responsible for identifying those involved in lawlessness during the student protests.

The inquiry, known as Operation Malone, has led to the arrest of more than 180 people, most aged between 17 and 25.

Detective Chief Superintendent Matt Horne, who is leading the operation, said the latest images are grainy but he believes people will recognise the suspects.

He said: "The student protests saw a number of incidents of violence escalate across central London, including in the shopping areas of Oxford Street and Regent Street during some of the busiest Christmas shopping periods.

"Police officers were attacked, and buildings and shops had their windows smashed, amongst other acts of vandalism, including an attack on the royal convoy.

"We believe that most of the people whose pictures we have released today may have committed serious offences of violent disorder and criminal damage in this area and urge them, or anybody who knows them, to come forward and speak to us.

"We understand the importance of the right to protest, but people who break the law and endanger those who wish to protest peacefully by committing criminal offences must face the inevitable consequences of their actions.

"I would like to remind anybody involved in attacks of violence that we will investigate them and do everything in our power to bring them before a court.

"Those who are convicted of an offence will have to face the consequences of having a criminal record, which could have a potential impact on their future employment and travel."

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