Sussex university students suspended after protest

The students locked themselves into offices for about five hours

Six University of Sussex students have been suspended following a sit-in protest against plans to axe 115 staff.

About 50 students barricaded themselves into the university offices in Falmer, near Brighton, on Wednesday.

The university said it had suspended six students on Friday after they were identified as having taken part in the sit-in, which also led to two arrests.

It said it had obtained a High Court injunction preventing its buildings from being occupied.

'Aggressive behaviour'

The ruling prevents "occupational protest action" on the campus but does not prevent peaceful protest without the threat of occupation.

Vice Chancellor Prof Michael Farthing said: "I will not stand by and condone breaches of the law, nor will I accept aggressive, confrontational and intimidatory behaviour towards members of staff.

"We are seeking to maintain the normal running of campus in the interests of all our staff and students."

About 100 students took part in wider protests around the campus against the proposed cuts.

University and College Union members at the university have also voted for strike action if the cuts go ahead.

A final decision is expected on 26 March.