police arrived at Hong Kong Airport

to help evacuate a Chinese man

who was seized and surrounded by protestors

who accused him of being an undercover

Chinese police officer.

As the police retreated from the airport,

protestors followed them outside and kicked

and surrounded and hurled water bottles.

Riot police then charged in with pepper spray

and swinging batons but soon retreated

without taking control of the airport.

Many protestors eventually left a few hours after midnight,

and the airport will likely be back

under authorities' control by the morning.

But more clashes are likely tomorrow.

Local media have reported that the police have obtained

an injunction to keep trespassers out,

and it's unclear how protestors will respond.