The president of Oxford Union has resigned after a vision-impaired student was 'violently' manhandled out of its debating chamber.

Postgraduate student Ebenezer Azamati, from Ghana, was reportedly dragged 'by his ankles' by security staff  when he tried to return to the seat he had earlier reserved.

Video of the 'violent and shameful' incident was widely shared on social media, and sparked a protest on Friday to show solidarity and support of Mr Azamati.

President of the 200-year-old society Brendan McGrath decided to step down and apologised to the African Society 'for the distress and any reputational damage' to Mr Azamati.

He said: "For all of my shortcomings and all of my mistakes, I apologise profusely and unqualifiedly."

He has also withdraw his charge of violent misconduct against the student, stated in a letter to the standing committee, as posted on Oxford Union's Facebook page.

Mr Azamati, who is visually impaired, had entered Oxford Union on October 17 to reserve an accessible seat ahead of the talk, concerned there wouldn't be any disabled provisions.

He exited the hall and went for dinner but when he returned to his seat, officials tried to remove him.

He told The Sunday Times that the incident left him 'feeling unwelcome' in Britain.

He added: "I felt that I was treated as not being human enough to deserve justice and fair teatment."

The Oxford University commented regarding the incident: "The Oxford Union is an independent society.

"The university has no control over its events."

The Oxford Union has a tradition of hosting debates and speakers dating back to 1823.

It has been home to alumi such as Boris Johnson and David Cameron.

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