HARINGEY Council's budget-setting meeting has been brought to a standstill while protesters run amok through the civic centre.

Councillors tried to reconvene their meeting in the canteen but had to move on quickly when the fire alarm was set off and the mob burst into the room.

Members have now gathered at an undisclosed location while police officers try to clear the chamber but, according to a spokesman, are being “met with resistance”.

Council leader Claire Kober is in a crisis meeting with chief executive Kevin Crompton while they decide whether or not the meeting will go ahead.

Councillors were due to vote for against the council's budget and also set council tax for the year ahead.

Like local authorities across the country, the council has suffered a severe cut to its annual budget forcing it to take drastic action in order to balance the books.

Hundreds of residents, trade unions, pensioners and young people had gathered on the steps of the civic centre as part of a peaceful protest.