At least 20 patients believed to be suffering from Ebola have fled a quarantine clinic in Liberia after protesters reportedly broke down the doors and looted the building, sparking fears of a serious health risk, CBS News said.

The Independent reported that the incident occurred in the Liberian capital of Monrovia in the West Point ‘slum’ on Saturday evening, with officials saying that the looters took blood-stained bedding among other items from the centre, which poses a serious infection risk.

Tolbert Nyenswah, the assistant health minister, said protesters were apparently displeased that patients were being brought in for treatment from different parts of the capital. Other reports suggested they were concerned Ebola is a hoax.