This morning hundreds of protesters clashed with the riot police in and around Stirling smashing cars with iron bars and launching bricks through shop windows. The disruption caused chaos on the road and motorway network in the area with rush hour drivers held up for more than three hours.

The violence began in Stirling at four o'clock this morning as protesters left the eco-village on foot bound for Auchterarder. Some armed with iron bars and bricks began pelting police before rampaging through a nearby retail park. From there they made their way into Stirling itself vandalising cars and property.

As businesses in Stirling survey the widespread damage it is becoming clear that these protests are well-organised, small but very sporadic and police have no idea when the activists will strike next.

As rush hour approached, police moved in quickly to stop around 60 protesters hoping to block the M9. Five officers were injured as they chased a number into nearby woods. One female demonstrator was also hurt as she was hit by a stampeding cow. Parts of the motorway remained closed for most of the day as those involved were photographed and searched.

Chief Constable Peter Wilson, commander of the police operation, said: "If you think of the number of protests we have had across Scotland most of it not worth news coverage apart from the one on Saturday which was such a celebration. The action this morning was absolutely disgraceful and the fact that there were so many people that must have been absolutely terrified and I have real concern for our own police officers from across the country who were there who must also have been very scared especially with that issue with the van so I have disgust for the protesters there.

This afternoon the protesters were escorted back by foot to the eco-village by police who continue to maintain a high profile in the area.