Acrobatic sensations Spelbound were caught up in the tuition fee protests, it has emerged.

The winners of Britain's Got Talent were due to do a photo shoot for their new DVD release outside the doors of the London Palladium before the Royal Variety Show.

But when news filtered through that Prince Charles and Camilla's car had been attacked on its way to the show, perfomers were forced to stay inside.

Schoolboy Jonathan Stranks, 15, from West Molesey, and Surbiton High schoolgirls Abi Ralph, 16, Katie Axten, 17, Amy Mackenzie, 12, put aside their nerves and entertained for the Prince of Wales at the show on December 9.

The 13-strong group of gymnasts, including Jonathan, who studied at Heathside School, Weybridge, performed alongside Take That, Kylie Minogue, Cheryl Cole and Susan Boyle.

The photo was finally taken at midnight when Prince Charles had left in an unmarked police van.

During the protests demonstrators were kettled on Westminster Bridge.

At least 38 protesters and 10 officers were injured.

Scotland Yard said six officers needed hospital treatment. There were 26 arrests: one for drunk and disorderly, three for criminal damage, two for arson, 12 for violent disorder, four for assault on police and four for burglary.

An investigation has since been launched into police tactics after a Middlesex University student needed emergency brain surgery after being hit on the head.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has now picked up the investigation alongside several other complaints over police tactics at the event.

They are investigating CCTV and looking to identify witnesses who can clarify what happened to Alfie Meadows, 20.

In a poll on the Surrey Comet website 53 percent of voters said they agreed with student protesters over tuition fees.