PETA activists allegedly hit Bristol University over animal tests during a symposium.

Footage shows the supporters confronting University of Bristol Vice-Chancellor Evelyn Welch over the institution's allegedly use of the controversial forced swim test on rodents.

The protest escalated when an activist snatched Welch's microphone, interrupting the panel discussion at Yale University on September 27.

The forced swim test, which involves placing the small animals in water-filled cylinders with no escape, has faced long-standing criticism for its cruelty and lack of scientific validity in studying human mental health conditions.

PETA's Senior Vice President, Kathy Guillermo, said: 'Forcing tiny, terror-stricken animals to swim for fear of drowning is cruel and does nothing to help humans with mental health conditions.

'PETA is calling on the University of Bristol to join the majority of the U.K.'s top universities that already shun this cruel experiment.'

Many leading institutions, including the Universities of Brighton, Exeter, and Liverpool, have banned this test.

Moments later, the protesters were escorted out of the event.

PETA, known for its advocacy against animal cruelty, continues to push for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws and the elimination of animal testing.