Police entered the Polytechnic University at around 5.30am on Monday, after a marathon standoff with anti-government protesters who had been occupying the campus for days.

A number of protesters were quickly subdued and arrested, with some police caught on video kicking people on the ground.

Some officers, believed to from the elite 'raptor' squad, quickly made their way into the main entrance of the university, where they met a hail of petrol bombs. Reports say arrows were also shot at the officers. A large area by the Chung Sze Yuen building was quickly engulfed in flames.

Makeshift barricades set up by protesters got caught up in the blaze, and some black-shirted protesters were seen trying to douse the flames.

Firefighters later arrived, and quickly got the blaze under control.

At least several casualties were reported, though it is not clear how they got hurt, or what the extent of their injuries are.

Despite video appearing to showing officers inside the entrance of the university the force later issued a statement 'clarifying' that officers never 'raided' the university as reported by the media. It said officers were conducted a dispersal and arrest operation on Cheong Wan Road, and 'rioters' who had been gathered inside the university started setting things on fire inside.

"Police reiterate that we did not 'raid' the premises of the PolyU", the statement said. "Fires were observed in various locations in the PolyU premises. Explosives, flammable substances and dangerous goods also pose threats to anyone therein. Police appeal to everyone inside the campus to leave immediately."

A large group of protesters are believed to have been holed up inside the university. Many have been fighting pitched battles with police since Sunday morning, with protesters repelling wave after wave of police advances backed by tear gas and water cannon.

But the seemingly non-stop supply of petrol bombs seemed to peter out early on Monday morning, before police finally broke through the protesters' defenses.

______________________________
Last updated: 2019-11-18 HKT 06:55