Arrests and calls for calm after Sierra Leone protests

About 130 people have been arrested after anti-government protests in Sierra Leone, police say.

Demonstrations against the rising cost of living and corruption that began on Wednesday turned into a violent confrontation between police and protesters.

It is not yet clear how many civilians were killed - though Reuters news agency puts the number at 21. Meanwhile the police force says four of its officers died.

President Julius Maada Bio who had travelled out of the country has returned, promising a full investigation into the incident.

The West African regional bloc Ecowas has condemned the violence and called for calm.

For now an eerie calm has returned to Freetown, but the sight of destroyed public and private property is a reminder of the violent scenes witnessed.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Reuters