Pro-Democracy protestor dragged from UK street into Chinese consulate and beaten

According to the BBC, Bob said, "they dragged me inside, they beat me up," adding "It's ridiculous. They [the attackers] shouldn't have done that. We are supposed to have freedom to say whatever we want here [in the UK]."

The protestors, all sympathetic to the democracy of Hong Kong before it reverted back to mainland control, were protesting as China's ruling Communist Party congress began session in Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to secure a third term of control over the authoritarian Communist-controlled country.

Bob and a few other protestors were attacked by a gaggle of men who emerged from the consulate. Those men said they found some of the posters of the protestors insulting to the likeness of Xi.

The protesters "hung an insulting portrait of the Chinese president at the main entrance," said the Chinese consulate.

Some of the pro-CCP men were wearing protective vests and helmets.

After Bob was pulled inside a UK police officer did enter despite the fact that he technically needed permission from the Chinese.

"Officers were present and responded immediately to defuse the situation," said a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson. "Enquiries are ongoing at this time to understand the full circumstances."

The Foreign Office said it was looking into the matter and the prime minister's official spokesperson said, "I understand Greater Manchester Police responded immediately to the incident and I am conscious their inquiries are ongoing so it would be inappropriate for me to comment beyond that."

The Chinese consulate said, "This would be intolerable and unacceptable for any diplomatic and consular missions of any country. Therefore, we condemn this deplorable act with strong indignation and firm opposition."