Protesters have forced their way into the central chamber of Hong Kong's parliament after an hours-long siege.

Dozens of demonstrators broke through the glass of the Legislative Council (LegCo) building earlier in the day.

Hundreds then entered the building, spray-painting messages on the walls and carrying supplies for those occupying the premises.

At midnight, (16:00 GMT) hundreds of police charged towards the building after warning protesters to clear it.

Police fired tear gas into the remaining crowd outside the building as they advanced. Earlier on Monday evening, police warned that protesters must clear the building or face "appropriate force".

Most of the demonstrators had left the building by then – though a few still remained in the central chamber.

Extensive damage was done to the building, with portraits of political leaders torn from the walls and furniture smashed.

Inside the central legislative chamber, one protester sprayed black paint across the emblem of Hong Kong on the rear wall - while another raised the old British colonial flag.

The unrest followed a peaceful protest involving hundreds of thousands over a controversial extradition law.

Pro-democracy demonstrators had taken to the streets on the anniversary of the city's handover from UK to Chinese rule.

This is the latest in a series of protests against a controversial bill that would allow extraditions to mainland China.

The government has agreed to suspend it indefinitely, but rallies continue and Chief Executive Carrie Lam is facing calls to resign.

Hong Kong, a former British colony, has been part of China since 1997 under a "one country, two systems" deal that guarantees it a level of autonomy. Pro-democracy events are held every year to mark the handover.

UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt tweeted that "UK support for Hong Kong and its freedoms is UNWAVERING on this anniversary day". (BBC)

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