Hong Kong police clashed with pro-democracy demonstrators today after a small group attempted to break into the city´s legislature, as splits emerged within the movement ahead of the expected clearance of protest camps.
Around 100 police used pepper spray and batons as they battled hundreds of protesters, some in helmets and waving umbrellas — a symbol of their movement — in an angry confrontation that broke out in the early hours. Officers made six arrests.
“Police strongly condemn such acts by the protesters, which disrupted public order,” the police force said in a statement.
The clashes were sparked when a group of around a dozen masked protesters smashed their way through a side entrance to the southern Chinese city´s Legislative Council (LegCo) using metal barricades as battering rams.
“Smash it open then get inside,” one protester was heard saying in footage aired by the local TVB channel.
At least one demonstrator made his way into the building, according to media reports.
