Pro-hunt group the Countryside Alliance has refused to apologise for the actions of its supporters involved in an angry demonstration and scuffles outside Parliament.

Following the arrest of eight protesters the group told BBC News Online: "We don't condone lawlessness, but we won't condemn the emotion, fear and anger that gave rise to these events."

Four of those arrested have been charged by the police and bailed to appear in court on Monday.

The Countryside Alliance said thousands of its supporters travelled to London on Tuesday for a peaceful demonstration, as MPs voted to give the Hunting Bill its second reading by 368 votes to 155.

Police were 'thoroughly disappointed' by the actions of protesters

It blamed police for much of the trouble that followed and said further protests would be held to stop a ban on any kind of hunting.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Trotter accused Countryside Alliance stewards of failing to work with his officers.

A number of officers were knocked to the ground and Mr Trotter said he was "thoroughly disappointed by the totally unreasonable actions of a significant number of protesters gathered in Parliament Square".

The Countryside Alliance's chief executive Richard Burge said the organisation had concerns about the nature and tactics of the policing involved during the day.

In a letter to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens, he said: "Of more concern still, we have heard ad hoc reports of police officers beginning to brief the media to the effect that demonstrators were violent.

"We find this very hard to credit, especially bearing in mind that hunting demonstrations have an enviable record for orderliness."

But earlier the Countryside Alliance had said the "uncharacteristic" nature of the protests was the result of politicians threatening the livelihoods and way of life of thousands of people.

'Confident'

Although the Countryside Alliance is opposed to a ban on any kind of hunting it said it is prepared to back a "fair and workable" licensing scheme, to ensure hunts are well run.

They pushed and shoved with police officers and there is always a danger of crushing Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Trotter

The group said pro-hunt campaigners would demonstrate at every stage of the Bill - which outlaws stag hunting and hare coursing and restricts fox hunting.

"We are very confident that our message is changing the way that both politicians and the public think about hunting," the spokesman said.

The Bill will now face detailed examination in the House of Commons before going to the Lords, where it is expected to meet stiff opposition.

Four people from the eight arrested during the demonstration have now been charged.

They are:

Marcus Wright, 28, from Melton Mowbray: arrested and charged for assault on a police officer in Parliament Square.

Veterinary surgeon David Dugdale, 41, from Freckenham in Suffolk: arrested for using threatening words and behaviour and charged with Section 4 of the Public Order Act.

Student George Philip Todhunter Bramley, 20, from Gillingham in Norfolk: arrested and charged for Section 14 of the Public Order Act - breach of cordon and demonstrating in a non-designated area.

Kennel man David Sherwood, 46, from Whittonstall in Northumberland: arrested and charged for being drunk and disorderly in Parliament Square.

They were all bailed to appear at Bow Street Magistrates Court on Monday.

Of the remaining four arrests, no further action is to be taken against a 14-year-old boy from Devon, who was arrested in possession of an offensive weapon or a 28-year-old man from Northumberland who was arrested for breach of the peace.

A 23-year-old man received a formal caution following his arrest for theft.

A 31-year-old man received a formal warning following his arrest for highway obstruction.