‘Violence is against all we stand for’

He will establish an accurate record of what happened, whether King’s students alone or individuals external to university were involved, and what actions might need to be taken as a consequence in line with our regulations.

We will also examine the arrangements put in place to organise and manage the event and whether any improvements to our policies may be needed. The findings will be published in early February.

Intimidating behaviour is completely unacceptable and goes against everything that we stand for at King’s. We do not, and will not, condone the use of any form of violent protest. The safety of our students, staff and the general public is paramount to us and we are committed to acting as a responsible organisation.

Our 260 student societies and activity groups hold hundreds of events a year across our five central London campuses, many of which involve external speakers and pass without incident. However, we are not complacent and continue to review our processes.

While the investigation is underway I have reminded all of our students to be respectful of their peers’ rights to hold different opinions from their own and to debate these in a peaceful and constructive way.

Professor Ed Byrne is president and principal of King’s College London