AIRPORT authorities in Hong Kong have cancelled all remaining flights today after protesters swarmed the main terminal.

Some protesters wore bandages over their eyes in solidarity of a woman who was shot yesterday by police during demonstrations.

13 Thousands of demonstrators sit in the main terminal of Hong Kong's international airport Credit: Reuters

13 Clashes between police and protesters became violent over the weekend Credit: AP:Associated Press

Images circulated on social media of the woman bleeding heavily from her right eye - which doctors now fear she may lose.

The doctor treating her told the South China Morning Post: "I can confirm her injury is really serious."

It is the fourth consecutive day thousands of demonstrators have gathered in the airport and it is the biggest disruption to the territory since protests began in early June.

Hong Kong international airport is one of the busiest in the world and officials said the demonstration "seriously disrupted" airport operations.

In a statement on its website it reads: "Airport operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted, all flights have been cancelled.

"All passengers are advised to leave the terminal buildings as soon as possible. Affected passengers please contact their respective airlines for flight arrangement."

It added that all check-in services for departing flights had been suspended, while incoming flights were also being diverted or cancelled, according to CNN.

The UK Foreign Office has warned today: "A protest at Hong Kong Airport on 12 August has resulted in the cancellation of all flights out of Hong Kong for the remainder of 12 August.

"The airport authorities advise members of the public not to travel to the airport."

'EYE FOR AN EYE'

Thousands of demonstrators carried signs that read "an eye for an eye" and "stop shooting eyes" as they shouted "shame on police" during today's sit in.

China issued a strong statement today, saying protesters have committed serious crimes and showed signs of "terrorism".

Yang Guang, a spokesman for China's Hong Kong and Macau affairs office, backed the police handling of the protests and said those who care about the city should come out against violence in a televised address.

Cathay Pacific staff were warned today they could be fired if they "support or participate in illegal protests" in Hong Kong.

Chief executive Rupert Hogg of the airline, Hong Kong's flagship carrier, emailed today saying there was "zero tolerance approach to illegal activities" and there would be "disciplinary consequences" that could include "termination of employment".

Protests have gripped the region since June 2019, sparked by highly controversial legislation to detain and extradite people who are wanted in countries or territories Hong Kong does not have agreements with - which includes mainland China and Taiwan.

That bill has been shelved for now - but the protests have mushroomed into a broader backlash against the government amid fears of the growing control of China's Communist party.

Protesters also believe their leader should be elected in a more democratic way that reflects the preference of the voters.

'ESCALATION OF VIOLENCE'

The chief executive, Carrie Lam, is currently elected by a 1,200-member election committee - a mostly pro-Beijing body chosen by just six per cent of eligible voters.

Activists say they won't stop until their main demands are met.

These include the resignation of the city's leader, Carrie Lam, an amnesty for those arrested and a permanent withdrawal of the bill.

Video footage of the demonstrations over the weekend showed plainclothes officers, who appeared to be disguised as protesters, making arrests as authorities face accusations of using excessive force and throwing teargas indoors.

In one clip, a man is on the ground as an officer wearing jeans has his knee on the protester's neck as a pool of blood from his forehead pools on the concrete.

In another video, heavily-armoured police are seen shooting a pepperball at a protesters, knocking him down.

MOST READ IN WORLD NEWS GANGSTER NO 1 New 'El Chapo' seizes control of Mexico gang that sets rivals' heads on fire BUSTED Argentine MP caught kissing & fondling his girlfriend's boob during virtual debate HEIR FORCE ONE Meghan 'would consider running for President if she ditched Royal title' CREEPY CRAWLERS Dozens of horrifying 3ft-long robber crabs invade family's campsite BBQ FIT AND FIFTY 'World’s hottest gran' celebrates 50th as fans praise her youthful looks LASHED TO BITS Paedo collapses as he’s caned 52 times after being sentenced to 169 lashes

Man-Kei Tam, director of Amnesty International Hong Kong, said: “Clashes between protesters and police over the weekend escalated to another level especially on the police side."

Hong Kong, a former British colony in south eastern China, has long enjoyed a special status under the principal "one country, two systems".

The Basic Law dictates that Hong Kong will retain its common law and capitalist system for 50 years after the handover in 1997.

What is happening in Hong Kong and why? Protests have gripped Hong Kong since June 2019, sparked by highly controversial legislation. If passed, the bill would give loca authorities the right to detain and extradite people who are wanted in countries or territories Hong Kong does not have agreements with - which includes mainland China and Taiwan. That bill has been shelved for now - but the protests have evolved against the government amid fears of the growing control of China's Communist party. Protesters also believe their leader should be elected in a more democratic way that reflects the preference of the voters. The chief executive, Carrie Lam, is currently elected by a 1,200-member election committee - a mostly pro-Beijing body chosen by just six per cent of eligible voters. The protesters demands are the resignation of the city's leader, Carrie Lam, an amnesty for those arrested and a permanent withdrawal of the bill. Hong Kong, a former British colony in south eastern China, has long enjoyed a special status under the principal "one country, two systems". The Basic Law dictates it will retain its common law and capitalist system for 50 years after the handover in 1997.

13 Tourists look at the information panel as it shows all flights are cancelled Credit: Getty Images - Getty

13 A protester holding up a banner reading 'Eye for an eye' joins demonstrators occupying the airport Credit: EPA

13 An angry passenger kicks flyers left behind by protesters at the airport Credit: EPA

13 A demonstrator rests at the check-in counter in the departure hall Credit: Reuters

13 A passenger waits for updated information in the airport after flights were cancelled Credit: EPA

13 Protesters rest at Hong Kong's international airport Credit: AFP or licensors

13 Protesters line up for a train at the airport station Credit: AFP or licensors

13 A protester gets arrested as he bleeds from his forehead Credit: Reuters

13 Demonstrators covered their right eye in solidarity with a woman who was shot by police Credit: Reuters

13 Many held signs like this during the fourth day of protests at the airport Credit: Reuters

13 An injured protester receives treatment during widespread demonstrations Credit: Reuters

Weekend of chaos in Hong Kong as anti-government protests grow increasingly violent

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.