HK police pull down barricades

Hundreds of police have used chainsaws and bolt-cutters to dismantle barricades put up by pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, the BBC reports.

It is the second day of operations which police said were to ease traffic disruption, not clear the protesters.

Demonstrators have occupied parts of Hong Kong for more than two weeks.

The activists, a mix of students and a pro-democracy group called Occupy Central, are demanding a fully democratic election in 2017.

China, which has control over Hong Kong, says residents can vote - but it will vet which candidates are eligible to stand.