Anti-BNP protesters breached security and broke into BBC Television Centre this evening ahead of Nick Griffin’s controversial appearance on Question Time.

Around 30 people rushed through the main gates of the BBC’s broadcasting citadel in West London. Ten were dragged out of the car park by police officers but at least 20 more made it inside the building where the leader of the British National Party will take part in the political panel show tonight.

Backed by chants of “BBC shame on you” and “Nazi scum off the streets” the small gang of protesters, believed to be predominantly from Unite Against Fascism, broke away from the main group and ran on to BBC property. One man was wrestled to the ground by the police. Protesters claimed that around 60 people had got inside the building.

Rachel Parish, 20, a philosophy student, was among the protesters to make it through the security barrier but she was stopped by officers. “The BBC should be ashamed. How can you give a platform to Nazis,” she said.

An initially peaceful demonstration soured at around 4.30pm and police officers rushed to form a stronger cordon between the public and corporation staff and property.

Around 600 protestors had gathered outside Television Centre to register their disgust at Mr Griffin’s appearance on Question Time by the late afternoon. Demonstrators filled the pavement directly outside the BBC building with more expected to follow.

Anti-fascist protesters leafleted BBC staff as they arrived for work today in White City.

Weyman Bennett, joint national secretary of Unite Against Fascism, said: “I can’t believe the BNP are going to be taken apart in the debate.

“What they are going to get is a massive hustings for their fascist and racist politics and the price for that will be an increase in the number of racist attacks.”

Labour MP Andy Slaughter, whose constituency includes Television Centre, was outside the BBC to lend his support to the protesters.

He said: “I think it is just irresponsible. Cutting through the dinner party conversation about freedom of speech, the practical impact it is going to have on Muslim, black and Asian communities is reason enough not to give the BNP a platform.”

Frank Langan, 66, from Ealing, West London, was escorted into the building as he was one of the audience members.

Before he went into Television Centre, he said: “I’m going to go in and find out what Nick Griffin has got to say. I don’t have to agree with it but I think it’s right that he is allowed on Question Time.

“I think everybody is entitled to their own opinion, even if you don’t like them.”

Mr Griffin successfully entered the site through a side entrance shortly after 5pm.