Clashes broke out when demonstrators set up roadblocks.

Police are reported to be among the dead.

The protests are against the rising cost of living, corruption and police brutality.

They have also been taking place in several towns in the north of Sierra Leone.

The government has declared a nationwide curfew and observers say there is a near- total shutdown of the internet.

Footage posted earlier on social media appears to show large crowds of people on the streets of the capital.