The Police in Hong Kong have clashed with protesters marking the anniversary of the country’s handover from the United Kingdom to Chinese rule.

In chaotic scenes on Monday, the Hong Kong Police used pepper spray and batons to contain the protesters who had gathered outside a venue hosting an annual flag-raising ceremony. This is even as a small group of protesters smashed into the government building.

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

Critics of the bill fear it could be used to target opponents of the government in Beijing and to bring Hong Kong further under China’s control.

The flag-raising ceremony to mark the handover took place inside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre amid a heavy police presence.

Authorities say the demonstrators started blocking several roads near the venue on Monday morning using items like metal and plastic barriers.

Outside the Convention and Exhibition Centre, police officers equipped with shields and batons clashed with hundreds of protesters around 30 minutes before the ceremony. They also used pepper spray to disperse the crowd.

A statement issued by the Police condemned what it described as ‘illegal acts’ by protesters who it said had taken iron poles and guard rails from nearby building sites to use as weapons.

The force said at least 13 of its officers have so far been taken to hospitals after protesters threw an ‘unknown liquid’ at them. Some were said to have suffered breathing difficulties as a result.

Later in the day, a breakaway group of protesters moved to the Legislative Council building (LegCo) and continually rammed a metal trolley against the glass doors of the building where the government meets.

The group later succeeded in smashing their way into the parliamentary chamber which they occupied for over an hour unchallenged .Much later, the police arrived the scene and began to issue stern warning to the protesters to vacate the building.

Although the government has agreed to suspend the controversial bill indefinitely, the protests have gained momentum as calls for the resignation of Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Carrie Lam continue.

Hong Kong, a former British colony has been part of China since 1997 under a ‘one country, two systems’ deal which guarantees its government a level of autonomy.