Hong Kong government: riots pushing city to 'dangerous edge'.

Byline: TONY MUNROE

HONG Kong's government said that violence and illegal protests were pushing the city to an "extremely dangerous edge", as police yesterday fired multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse hundreds of anti-govern-ment protesters and Beijing said it would not let the situation persist.

Police said more than 20 people had been arrested since Saturday for offences including unlawful assembly and assault.

A general strike aimed at bringing the city to a halt is planned for today, including by aviation workers which will bring the airport to a standstill.

Late yesterday, hundreds of masked protesters blocked major roads, set fires and stopped transport from entering the Cross-Harbour Tunnel linking Hong Kong and Kowloon.

China's official news agency Xantha said: "The central govern-ment will not sit idly by and let this situation continue. We firmly believe that Hong Kong will be able to overcome the difficulties and challenges ahead."

Reuters

CAPTION(S):

Anti-government protests have been going on for weeks in Hong Kong