Durban - Motorists had to seek alternative routes after Link Road in Shallcross remained closed on Monday following violent protests by residents of the Bottlebrush Informal Settlement.

Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad, Durban Metro police spokesperson, said the situation was tense and for the safety of the public and motorists the road had to be closed.

"We are waiting for Durban Solid Waste to clean up the road. The road is littered with debris. It is unsafe driving conditions. Police are monitoring the area. Traffic has been diverted," Sewpersad said.

Captain Nqobile Gwala, said that residents began protesting after a seven-year-old girl was knocked while walking along Shallcross Road (Link Road) around midday on Sunday. Police were still investigating the collision when the protests began.

"It is alleged that residents from the informal settlement barricaded the road with rocks and debris. It is alleged that they pulled two boats from a property nearby and set them alight. Police were also alerted to cars being stoned," she said.