HONG KONG: Hundreds of protesters scuffled with police today after Hong

Kong lawmakers approved a controversial $8.6 billion express railway project.

Police used pepperspray on the protesters as they tried to break through a barricade surrounding the Legislative Council building, where lawmakers met for a third time to debate the project.

The activists were among thousands of people who surrounded the building since morning to demand the project’s withdrawal.

After an eight-hour meeting, the council voted in favour of the project which will

link Hong Kong and Guangzhou, capital of neighbouring Guangdong province in China.