PRO-HUNTING protesters stormed into the chamber of the House of Commons as MPs prepared to vote on a total ban on hunting with dogs.

Five protesters managed to evade security to enter the chamber as MPs debated the controversial issue. The sitting was immediately suspended as guards wrestled with the intruders.

The news of the disruption was greeted with loud cheers when it was relayed to the thousands of pro-hunt demonstrators gathered outside Parliament.

The mass-demonstration had earlier descended into scenes of chaos when a small pocket of protesters fought with police.

Scotland Yard said the trouble flared when a "small section of the crowd attempted to break through the cordon at the south west part of Parliament Square". Police said officers came under fire from items from the crowd including barriers.

But the invasion of the chamber is likely to provoke the biggest controversy and throw the spotlight yet again on security at the Palace of Westminster.

The protest in the Commons halted the debate for about 20 minutes. Labour MPs shouted: "Get Out" as the protesters - all men - forced their way in.

Four of them came in from behind the Speaker's chair, the fifth appeared to have entered the chamber via the entrance at the opposite end.

Deputy Speaker Sylvia Heal immediately ordered suspension of the sitting as doorkeepers tried to wrestle the men to the ground.

A security source said up to 10 protesters had burst into a corridor behind the Speakers' chair. Security staff were able to apprehend a number of the men before they entered the chamber, he said.