A Catholic priest was wounded on Monday after allowing students at the Holy Trinity Church which adjoins the university where clashes occurred between police and students.

Father Graham Pugin was apparently injured when police allegedly fired rubber bullets at him at close range.

Just moments earlier he had managed to stop a police nyala armoured personnel carrier from entering the church court yard by blocking the gate with his body.

He raised his hand and the charging nyala stopped.

His condition is not immediately known.

The university confirmed the incident but was unable to provide any details.