Capsicum spray used against protesting Sydney students

Capsicum spray has been used against students trying to force their way into a talk given by Education Minister Christopher Pyne in the Sydney CBD.

The protesting students, holding signs and chanting "we have to go to school", were seemingly trying to disrupt Mr Pyne’s talk at the Sydney Masonic Centre despite repeated warnings to "get back" by police.

Footage showed police spraying students with capsicum spray.

Other protesters were seen on the ground with friends pouring water into their eyes.

A NSW Ambulance spokeswoman said they were treating one person at the scene for eye injuries.

A NSW Police spokesman said they were preparing a statement on the matter.

The protest started peacefully, with students standing outside the centre where an education conference was taking place.

Students held up banners and signs attacking Mr Pyne's education reforms and the minister himself, with messages including "Education shouldn't be a death sentence" and "You're sPyneless".

However, as more protesters arrived, the event became more heated.

Students marched around the building, chanting and waving signs, before massing at the main entrance where police held them back.

Several protesters tried to push through into the building but were unable to get past the police cordon.