University students are staging a sit-in protest following a row over staff pensions.

Around 20 students from Aberdeen University have taken the action in support of staff who are on strike.

They have occupied different rooms of the administration building on Regent Walk and are planning to stay there for as long as they can.

An Aberdeen University spokesman said police were called at one stage when a staff member was knocked to the ground.

He said: "Police were called to the University Office this afternoon following an incident whereby a group of protesters forced their way into the building, leaving staff shaken and distressed and resulting in one staff member being knocked to the ground.

"We are disappointed with this turn of events, especially as we have invited representatives from the protest group to meet with senior management on several occasions, in order to engage in a constructive dialogue that might result in a resolution. However these offers have been refused.

"The safety of our students and staff is paramount, and we cannot condone behaviour that intimidates and puts people at risk of harm. Our offer to meet with protesters remains open, and we hope to achieve a resolution as soon as possible."

A statement from the students said: "The police were called to the site by a concerned member of the demonstration outside, who feared for the wellbeing of the students within the building and those in close proximity to the doors.

"This was clearly expressed by the police officer on the scene to a member of the protest.

"The University security team acted in a manner entirely contrary to proper health and safety practice. We believe that the safety and wellbeing of students and staff was put in serious danger by the actions of security management.

"No attempt was made to open doors on either side of the small enclosed stairwell around fifteen people were crammed into.

"Calls have repeatedly been made to hold a meeting with representatives of the Senior Management Team and all those occupying the building.

"These offers have been continuously refused, because Management wants to shut students out of these talks and conduct them off-premise with a small number of students."

Planned changes to the pension could mean a £10,000 per year reduction in retirement income for staff, according to the University and College Union (UCU).

An agreement between the UCU and Universities UK had offered a deal but this was turned down at a meeting on Tuesday.

The action has threatened to disrupt final exams and assessments in the summer term.

Students in Dundee and Edinburgh have also staged sit-ins this week.