<span style="color: #222222;">Fresh violence has erupted around a university campus in Hong Kong this morning. Police fired tear gas at the protesters in Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Kowloon district to clear them after fiery clashes overnight. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"><br />'' Activists hurled petrol bombs in return, some igniting trees outside the campus. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"><br />'' This came hours after China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers emerged from their barracks in a rare public appearance to help residents clear debris blocking key roads.<br />'' <br />'' The city's government spokesperson said that Hong Kong did not request assistance from the PLA and that the military initiated the operation as a voluntary community activity. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">However, pro-democracy lawmakers have condemned the PLA's actions, warning that the military must not interfere in local affairs unless it was asked by the government.<br />'' <br />'' The protests that began against a now shelved bill to allow extradition to China have now swelled into wider calls for democracy. The financial hub has been pushed into a recession as a result of the turmoil.</span><br />''  <br />