A planned protest at Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s electorate office in Sydney on Monday was unexpectedly stalled after a group of students became stuck in a lift.

The group of 10 from the NSW Education Action Network (EAN) fronted Mr Abbott’s office in Manly to protest cuts to education spending and fee deregulation.

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But shortly after 2pm, while on the way up to give the PM’s staff a piece of their mind, the lift shut down, trapping the group for about 30 minutes.

NSW students protest outside PM’s electorate office in Sydney. The group fronted Mr Abbott’s office to protest cuts to education spending and fee deregulation. Photo: AAP

“It was hot and uncomfortable,” EAN spokeswoman Amy Thomas said.

“We’re here to make a difficult day for Tony Abbott more difficult.”

She said no one was hurt although some in the lift began to panic before being rescued by firefighters.

Comment is being sought from Mr Abbott’s office.