Hong Kong Polytechnic University: Protesters arrested as they run from campus

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Several protesters have been arrested while trying to run from a Hong Kong university campus surrounded by police.

Around 100 people tried to leave the Polytechnic University, but were met with tear gas and rubber bullets.

In the past week, the campus has turned into a battleground as long-running anti-government protests become more violent.

A small number managed to successfully leave the campus using rope ladders before being picked up by motorcycles.

Hong Kong's Hospital Authority says 116 people have been injured and taken to hospital.

The violence is some of the worst seen during months of unrest in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory. The protests started over a controversial extradition bill, and have now evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations.

China has warned that "no-one should underestimate [its] will to safeguard its sovereignty and Hong Kong's stability", and its ambassador to the UK said the central government would not sit back and watch if the situation became "uncontrollable".

Timeline of unrest
How is Hong Kong run?
Protests explained in 100 and 500 words
Hong Kong is a part of China, and the protests are, in part, about the fear that the special freedoms the territory enjoys as a former British colony are being eroded.

Earlier, Hong Kong's High Court ruled that a ban on protesters wearing face masks was unconstitutional. The colonial-era emergency law was invoked in October, but protesters largely defied it.

 

 

Hong Kong's government said the weekend's events had "reduced the chance" of district elections being held on Sunday as planned, public broadcaster RTHK reports. Postponing or cancelling the vote could further inflame the protests.

The UK has urged an "end to the violence and for all sides to engage in meaningful political dialogue" ahead of the elections.

What is happening?
Police are still besieging the university where several hundred protesters are thought to be trapped. Officers have ordered those inside to drop their weapons and surrender.

A protester inside the university told the BBC supplies, including first aid equipment, were running low.

Meanwhile, a fire broke out on campus and loud explosions were heard, according to the South China Morning Post.