DHAKA: Clashes have taken place between Hong Kong police and a small group of protesters who tried to break into parliament early on Wednesday.

Protesters used metal barricades to break down a side door at the Legislative Council building (Legco).

The incident happened hours after bailiffs and police peacefully cleared a section of the main protest camp.

Protesters calling for full democracy have occupied three key sites in Hong Kong for nearly eight weeks.

The BBC’s John Sudworth in Hong Kong said that this latest incident was a reminder that the overwhelmingly peaceful protests can still turn ugly.

Dozens of young protesters, some wearing masks, tried smashing in the door shortly after 01:00. Some reportedly managed to enter the building.

Riot police warned protesters to stay back, using red flags, and later used pepper spray to push them back.

There were repeated attempts by protesters to enter the building throughout the night, but they appeared to retreat by daylight.

BDST: 1256 HRS, NOV 19, 2014