POLICE opened an internal investigation into the teargassing of students at a peaceful sit-in yesterday as thousands protested against officer brutality.

West Midlands Police confirmed it was carrying out an inquiry to “determine the appropriateness” of its actions during the policing of a Warwick University student protest.

But students and free education campaigners said they were doubtful the analysis would be free of bias and fair on the victims.

Warwick Free Education member Craig McVey said: “I’m pleased to see West Midlands Police coming under public pressure and scrutiny. 

“But I fear that had the events of Wednesday (December 3) not received such publicity then, as is so often the case, this display of disproportionate force would have been swept under the carpet.”

He added: “We will await the findings of the internal inquiry with interest, but personally I feel that when you have police investigating police, there’s bound to be a degree of bias.”

The news was received with cheers and applause at the ongoing Warwick student occupation.

National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts spokesperson Deborah Hermanns said the investigation was “good news,” but she also feared a potentially one-sided outcome.

The investigation came after thousands of people descended on Warwick University for several days in protest against police violence. 

Left-wing commentator Owen Jones and director Ken Loach have also come out in support of the students. 

“Warwick University should be proud that its students are politically engaged,” said Mr Loach.“The actions of the police shame the university managers and the police themselves.”

Human rights charity Amnesty International also published a statement condemning the force’s actions.

Police and university bosses say there were student assaults on security staff — the free education campaign emphatically denies this. 

Students have demanded an independent probe be carried out with university funding. 

Warwick student Calum Cant said: “Despite the brutal policing we are not intimidated. We can clearly see from the response today that the student movement is behind us and will not tolerate attacks.”

The day also marked the end of an occupation at Sheffield University after free education campaigners were granted two out of three of their demands.

A statement by The Free University of Sheffield group announced that school vice-chancellor Keith Burnett had agreed to call for a lobby of government “for the abolition of tuition fees.”

Their demands of a living wage for all university staff have also been heard and discussions between management and the student union are set to take place on Monday.

National actions in support of the Warwick students and for a return to free higher education are planned to take place today in London, Birmingham, Brighton and elsewhere.