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Hong Kong protests: Chaos as activists occupy terminal

News imageEPA Protesters attend a sit-in against police violence in Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok International AirportEPA
Protesters held a mass sit-in inside the airport's departures lounge

Another day of pro-democracy protests has been held at Hong Kong International Airport, leading to flight disruptions and violent clashes between demonstrators and police.

Travellers arriving at the airport - one of the world's busiest - hoping to catch flights were met with blocked check-in desks, mass sit-ins and, later in the day, riot police.

Protesters appeared to use luggage trolleys to build barriers, preventing people from reaching their flights.

News imageReuters Anti-extradition bill protesters use trolleys to stop passengers from entering the security gates during a mass demonstration after a woman was shot in the eye, at the Hong Kong international airport, in Hong Kong ChinaReuters

Umbrellas - which have become a symbol of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement - were also used to block CCTV cameras monitoring the airport.

News imageEPA Umbrellas block CCTV cameras as anti-government protesters attend a demonstrationEPA

Some protesters wore eye bandages in solidarity with an injured protester, and held banners criticising the deepening crackdown.

News imageEPA A woman wears an eye patch to protest police violence during a sit-in at Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok International Airport, Hong KongEPA

Others held signs apologising to passengers for the inconvenience caused.

News imageReuters An anti-extradition bill protester offers an apology to passengers blocked from entering the security gates during a mass demonstration after a woman was shot in the eye, at the Hong Kong international airportReuters

But travellers appeared to get irate, as they struggled to reach their flights on time. Below, a woman attempts to pass her luggage on to security.

News imageAFP A tourist (C) gives her luggage to security guards as she tries to enter the departures gate during another demonstration by pro-democracy protesters (protestors, demonstrators) who are trying to occupy the departures hall during another demonstration at Hong Kong's international airportAFP

Hong Kong airport officials eventually announced that all check-ins would be suspended.

Just before midnight local time (17:00 GMT) riot police stormed the airport.

News imageReuters Police clash with anti-government protesters at the airport in Hong KongReuters

They were pictured using tear gas and batons in an attempt to disperse the protesters.

News imageReuters Riot police use pepper spray to disperse anti-extradition bill protesters during a mass demonstration after a woman was shot in the eye, at the Hong Kong international airportReuters

Some protesters fought back during the clashes.

News imageAFP A Hong Kong policeman (C) falls backwards as they scuffle with pro-democracy protestersAFP

One man was also injured during a scuffle with demonstrators after he was accused of being an undercover police officer for mainland China.

News imageAnthony Kwan An injured man whom protesters accused of being an undercover police officer is being taken by medical personal after clashes with anti-government protestersAnthony Kwan

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