Hong Kong police retake parliament from anti-government protesters

Hong Kong, , Hong Kong

Hong Kong riot police early Tuesday took back the city's parliament from anti-government protesters who had stormed the building hours earlier, a reporter inside the complex said.

Protesters had fled the building by the time riot police reached the sprawling government complex after firing tear gas rounds and baton-charging demonstrators in the streets outside.

In the end, officers were able to walk into the ransacked main chamber without meeting any resistance. Only around two dozen reporters were left inside.

Only around two dozen reporters were left inside.

Watch: Hong Kong protest - Police use tear gas shells on protesters

Earlier, protesters successfully smashing their way into the LegCo through reinforced glass windows and prising open metal shutters that were blocking their way.

Storming into the parliament building, they were seen smashing up paintings, doors, and walls amid widespread anger over the proposed extradition Bill. 

The protesters occupied the building for about three hours, leaving around midnight as police prepared to take action against them.​​​