Hong Kong authorities accused of hiring thugs after clashes

Hong Kong

CHAOS erupted in central Hong Kong on Monday as dozens of masked men rushed barricades at the city's main pro-democracy site, sparking renewed accusations that the authorities are using hired thugs to disperse demonstrators.

Groups of men, many wearing surgical masks, descended on the front lines of the rally at Admiralty near Hong Kong's central business district, triggering clashes with protesters, just hours after police had moved in to take down some barriers.