The BBC’s Umaru Fofana tweeted earlier that there had been shooting at the headquarters of the opposition Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP).

He has gathered more details about the incident. It appears police stopped people leaving the opposition headquarters on their way to join masquerade celebrations in the centre of town.

The celebrations are to mark Sierra Leone’s independence day, which is on the same day as the formation of the SLPP.

Police told our reporter that they stopped people because they did not have the required permit to party.

Our reporter explains that people have to apply for a permit before the day if they want to take part. The police refused to give permission, claiming they missed the deadline.

What is unclear is if the police were firing live rounds – opposition witnesses say they were while the police deny this.

It is also unclear if there have been any injuries.