Protesting students of the University of Sierra Leone have forced the closure of the oldest university in West Africa.

About 1,000 students stomped the streets, burnt tyres and changed padlocks of the 185 year-University.

The BBC says the protests follow the expulsion of 31 students from leading the occupation of hostels.

The hostels have been closed for two years, making the students seek alternative, more expensive accommodation elsewhere.

Some students were taking exams when the protest broke out – these have been postponed