ABOUT 300 anti-war demonstrators gathered for a second day of protests in Manchester.

Students armed with banners were joined by workers and a small number of truanting school children chanting "Not in Our Name".

The protest, co-ordinated by the Stop the War Coalition, started at Albert Square before moving to Oxford Road where there was a scuffle with police.

Protesters blocked the road outside Manchester University.

Beth Coyne, 20, a student at the university, joined in the walkout.

"Today is the day we have to make a difference," she said. "They have gone and declared war without our agreement. We want to make our voices heard."

University lecturer Mat Sereech, 43, said he was "furious" with the Government.

"They are not listening to the people," he said. "I despise the way they are trying to blame the French.

"Tony should stop licking the cowboy's boots, we don't need him."

Not everyone in Manchester agreed with the protesters.

Several people chanted back in support of the action.

Student Richard Evans, 21, from Flint, north Wales, said: "I'm in the TA and I support military action."

On Wednesday, 12 protesters were arrested in Manchester for public order offences.