Protests against harsh lockdown rules intensify in China as UK journalist 'beaten and kicked by police' covering unrest

An unprecedented wave of protests is taking place across China, as protesters demand an end to the country's restrictive coronavirus measures.

The BBC said Ed Lawrence was working as an accredited journalist in Shanghai when he was 'beaten and kicked by police' while covering protests.

BBC journalist arrested and 'beaten' in Shanghai
Protests against stringent COVID restrictions have intensified across China - as a British journalist was beaten and kicked by police.

Sky's Helen-Ann Smith described the atmosphere in Shanghai this morning as "very, very tense", adding that it is not currently safe to film near the main site of the protests due to the police presence.

She said she witnessed a person being "dragged away" from the area and was unsure what he had done.

It marked the third night of chaos which has spread to some of the country's biggest cities, including Wuhan, the first epicentre of the coronavirus almost three years ago.

On Sunday night, the BBC said one of its staff members, Ed Lawrence, was working as an "accredited journalist" when he was "beaten and kicked by police" while covering the protests.

Footage on social media showed him being dragged to the ground in cuffs, while in another video, he was seen saying: "Call the consulate now."

lay Video - Rare street protests in China as police charge in
Rare street protests in China as police charge in

According to officials, Mr Lawrence was arrested "for his own good" in case he caught COVID from the crowd, but the BBC said it was "extremely concerned" about his treatment and claimed he was held for several hours before being released.

China's foreign ministry said Mr Lawrence did not identify himself as a journalist and that the BBC's statement "does not reflect what happened".

Business Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News that there can be "absolutely no excuse" for journalists covering the protests being beaten by police.

While Downing Street said the arrest of a BBC journalist in China was "shocking and unacceptable".

The PM's official spokesperson said: "The arrest of this journalist who was simply going about their work is shocking and unacceptable. Journalists must be able to do their jobs without fear of intimidation."

He also urged the Chinese authorities to "respect those who decide to express their views about the current situation", adding: "We will continue to raise our human rights concerns with the Chinese government at all levels as part of a frank, constructive relationship."

A Sky News team in Shanghai had witnessed police moving quickly and decisively, pushing protesters to try to disperse them - but the crowd did not leave.

They also saw several people on the streets of Shanghai being arrested by...

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