Fires and clashes break out at New Zealand parliament as police move in to clear protest

Clashes erupt between police in riot-gear and protesters as Mori leaders denounce violence at demonstrations that have run for weeks

Fires burned across parliament grounds, and violent clashes broke out between protesters and police at an anti-vaccine mandate demonstration on New Zealand's parliament grounds, in extraordinary and chaotic scenes rarely seen in the country.

After nearly four weeks of impasse between the protesters and police at parliament, hundreds of officers in riot gear stormed the occupation on Wednesday morning, and by the afternoon had gained significant ground, tearing down tents, towing vehicles and making 38 arrests. The police said protesters used fire extinguishers, paint-filled projectiles, homemade plywood shields and pitchforks as weapons and a cord was set up as a trip wire.