Ukraine police storm protest camp

Hundreds of police have moved in on a large protest camp in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, clashing with protesters.

Al Jazeera`s Tim Friend, reporting from Independence Square, said barricades came down as police in full riot gear advanced on protesters early on Wednesday morning. "The police have effectively reasserted their authority over the square," our correspondent said. The capital has been gripped by more than three weeks of demonstrations against President Viktor Yanukovich`s decision to align himself with Russia instead of the European Union. Several hundred protesters, many wearing orange helmets, gathered in front of a stage in the camp, which was the final area in Kiev where demonstrators were holding out. "This is the final, very symbolic retaking of the square," Friend said, noting that police appeared ready to remain throughout the night, impinging the protesters` freedom of movement as temperatures plunged. "Effectively it`s a siege," he said. Protesters sang the Ukrainian national anthem and shouted "Shame!" and "We will stand!" as officers moved in. Police and army squads surrounded the area and tore down tents, removing protesters` meagre shelter and cutting off their ability to access food and fuel, Friend said.