In a statement, police said those arrested were planning violent protests between 7 and 10 August.

Police accused unnamed individuals "at home and abroad" of plotting to undermine peace in the country.

They said they were "fully in control" and urged Sierra Leoneans to remain peaceful and go about their normal businesses.

Unease has gripped the West African country since the controversial re-election of President Julius Maada Bio on 24 June.

On 5 July, Mr Bio accused Western countries of creating confusion in the country after they expressed concern over the conduct of June's election.

The country has enjoyed relative peace since the end of an 11-year-long civil war in 2002.