Uni careers fair targeted by fossil fuel protests

The demonstration lasted for more than an hour, said campaigners

A group of around 50 activists attempted to block the entrance to a university careers fair.

The organisation People & Planet targeted the event at the University of Sheffield's Octagon site.

The group said their protest was to raise awareness about businesses involved in the arms trade, fossil fuels and mining companies.

The University of Sheffield said it supported the right to peaceful protest "within the law".

According to the protesters, student activists marched to the event holding banners before sitting down in front of the building's entrances.

They said the demonstration was part of a fossil-free careers campaign by themselves and a pro-Palestinian encampment on the university's premises.

A spokesperson from the University of Sheffield, said it supported "freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest within the law".

"We have been clear that protests should not disrupt any teaching, events or university business, or intimidate students, staff and visitors.

"At today's Careers Fair, protesters made a significant attempt to disrupt the event and prevent other students from gaining entry," they added.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.