University shuts during summit to make sure students are safe

A London university will shut during the G20 summit because of fears over students' security.

The University of East London, which has campuses in Docklands and Stratford, will close tomorrow and on Thursday. A spokesman said the move came from a "duty of care" to students and because of "severe transport disruption".

But campaigners criticised the university for cancelling lectures. The closure also means an "alternative summit" at the university to discuss issues raised by the G20 has been cancelled.

One of the university's academic staff was suspended from his post last week after threatening violence against police. Professor Chris Knight is a leading figure in G20 Meltdown, the group behind a carnival-style protest outside the Bank of England tomorrow.