Hong Kong authorities start clearing protest sites

The authorities in Hong Kong Thursday started clearing barriers blocking roads and streets at the Occupy Central protest sites in Admiralty after bailiffs read out the court's injunction orders to protesters.

The bailiffs declared that they would remove barriers in Connaught Road Central, Harcourt Road, Tim Wa Avenue, Tim Mei Avenue and Gloucester Road, asking the protesters to leave the area peacefully and not to impede law enforcement, Xinhua reported.

The bailiffs said the police force would help execute the orders if the protesters obstruct the law enforcement. A senior police officer warned that the authorities have prepared adequate manpower and would take actions to enforce the injunctions.

Some key figures of student groups and several members of Hong Kong's Legislative Council, who refused to leave, stayed at the sites.

The Occupy protest in Hong Kong started Sep 28 and protesters blockaded several roads and streets in Kowloon and Hong Kong island, which has resulted in traffic disruption, temporary closure of schools and banks and a slump in the local stock market trading.

Hong Kong Police assisted bailiffs in clearing the protest sites at Mong Kok in Kowloon Nov 25 and 26.