A nationwide curfew has been imposed across Sierra Leone following a violent protest which turned bloody on Wednesday, according to the country's Vice-President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.

There has been loss of lives, including the burning of government buildings and local police stations across the West African country, he adds.

Jalloh, speaking on state radio, announced that the government has imposed a nationwide curfew beginning on Wednesday from 3pm until further notice.

Protesters took to the streets in the capital Freetown and other parts of the country in demand of a better standard of living due to the recent high cost of basic commodities in the country.

Jalloh reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintain law and order including the general rights of the public, calling on the country's security apparatus to enforce the directive.