Students stage protest inside University of Birmingham

They claimed last night that they were in control of the Strathcona conference building on the Edgbaston campus to raise concerns over their student rights.

The doors have been barricaded with tables and chairs. They want the reinstation of two students they claim were suspended following a protest at the university in January.

The members of Defend Education Birmingham entered the Strathcona building at the Edgbaston Campus this morning before barricading the entrance with tables and chairs and putting a chain lock on the door handles.

They put banners up in windows which say 'protest is not a crime'.

They want the reinstation of two students they claim were suspended following a protest at the university in January.

They are also calling on the university to reform its disciplinary procedures and recognise building occupations as a legitimate form of protest.

In a statement, the University of Birmingham said: "The University has a rigorous and fair disciplinary process. Peaceful protest is not a disciplinary offence and the University does not invoke disciplinary procedures lightly.

"The University invoked its disciplinary procedures during the last academic year, following significant disruption to teaching and research, when nearly 900 students had their teaching and learning disrupted or displaced, members of staff were prevented from attending their place of work for a week, and fire and disabled access routes were blocked, leading to the suspension of two students.

"Defend Education, which is not affiliated to the University of Birmingham's student body, is occupying a University building following the suspensions. As the individuals were masked it is not clear whether any of those involved are actually University of Birmingham students.

"At approximately 6am on 28 July 2014 a small group of masked individuals tried and failed to enter the Aston Webb building. Several hours later a small number of masked individuals gained entry to the Strathcona Building, locking out staff and students and preventing exits through fire doors, causing a danger to themselves and others.

"Disruption has been caused to more than 200 students on pre-sessional programmes of study who are undertaking courses to prepare them for their first year at Birmingham in the Autumn. Planned renovation work to teaching and learning facilities has also been significantly delayed.

"Universities are places of free speech and we respect the rights of students and staff to protest peacefully and within the law. This is clearly outlined in our Freedom of Speech Code of Practice. However when an occupation disrupts students and academic staff in delivering education, it is a matter we take very seriously."

A total of 14 people were arrested when the protests in January turned violent.

Smoke bombs were set off and a 50ft banner was tied to the institution's clock tower by campaigners.

The protest was over staff wages.