Three protesters arrested after Tory MP Ben Howlett pelted with eggs

Approximately 40 students and trade unionists were protesting against funding cuts and in support of free education

Ben Howlett MP (Wikimedia Commons)

Three protesters have been arrested after eggs were thrown at a Conservative MP.

Approximately 40 students and trade unionists were protesting against funding cuts and in support of free education, at Queen Square in Bath.

But police were called to the scene after local MP Ben Howlett was struck on the back by an egg as he was leaving.

The MP for Bath was launching the South West’s Britain Stronger in Europe campaign, when protestors began shouting: “Ben Howlett, shame on you,” the Bath Chronicle reported.

"The people that were protesting will no doubt be on the streets to campaign to stay in the EU so I look forward to working with them in the future," Mr Howlett told the website.

"People can protest in any way they want. We live in a democracy."

The arrests have been made over public order offences.

No one was available at Avon and Somerset Constabulary for a comment.