Tensions have boiled over in Hong Kong after police began removing some of the barricades erected by pro-democracy protesters.<br /><br />Hundreds of unidentified people, some wearing masks, then moved in to try to break down the barriers – clashing with demonstrators.<br /><br />The police operation was said to be aimed at easing traffic flow and not removing protesters themselves.<br /><br />But authorities have warned that the blockade in the Chinese-controlled city, now entering its third week, cannot last indefinitely.<br /><br />The student-led protesters have been reinforcing their positions elsewhere in the former British colony.<br /><br />They want Hong Kong’s Chief Executive to resign and for people to be given the right to vote for a leader of their choice in elections in 2017. China wants to select candidates for the poll.<br /><br />Some students who had camped out for the night slept through the police operation – before things turned ugly.
