An elderly man has been hospitalised after he was allegedly struck on the forehead by a canister during a protest in Brufut.

The man, identified as Baa Sanna, was not among the protesters when the incident occurred. Witnesses said he was hit amid the unrest as security forces moved to disperse crowds.

He reportedly collapsed after being struck, with blood seen oozing from his head.

He was initially rushed to the Brufut health facility before being transferred to Ndemban Clinic in Bakau for further treatment.

The incident happened during a tense protest in the area, where demonstrators had taken to the streets amid heightened tensions.

Earlier reports circulating on social media had claimed that the elderly man had died, but authorities later dismissed the claims as false.

Meanwhile, several other individuals believed to be among the protesters also sustained injuries, including wounds to the head and upper body.

By Adama Makasuba