Ventimiglia on the Italian-French border is the latest place to be hit by the so called “pitchfork “ anti-government protests which have spread across Italy. Police fired tear gas and clashed with demonstrators on what was the fourth day of rallies.

The Interior Minister Angelino Alfano warned parliament the unrest could “lead to a spiral of rebellion against national and European institutions.”

In Rome hundreds of students took to the streets outside a university where government ministers were attending a conference. “Our university isn’t a catwalk for those who peddle austerity” read a banner.

Marches, sit-ins and demos took place in other cities including Milan and Turin.

Fourteen policemen have been injured in the spate of protests with shops and other property damaged.

The “pitchfork” movement began as a loosely organised group of farmers from Sicily and their aims remain vague beyond demanding the government be replaced and parliament dissolved.

Larger demonstrations are planned in the capital next week.