By John Brima
Clashes broke out between residents and police in the Kissy Dockyard area of eastern Freetown on Friday following a demolition exercise, witnesses said.
Tensions flared after security personnel moved to demolish structures in the densely populated community, with residents claiming the buildings were part of disputed property linked to former Forest Industry quarters.
Police fired tear gas to disperse crowds as angry youths and residents responded by throwing stones and bottles, escalating the confrontation and disrupting activities in the area, according to witnesses.
Residents said the land had allegedly been sold to a foreign investor, a claim that could not be independently verified.
It was not immediately clear if there were any injuries or arrests.
The Sierra Leone Police has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
