China removes six diplomats from UK after protester assaulted

Hong Kong protester Bob Chan, who alleged he was dragged into the Chinese Consulate in Manchester and beaten up during a demonstration. [AP Photo]

China's government has removed a Chinese consul general and five of his staff following the assault on a Hong Kong pro-democracy protester at the Chinese consulate in Manchester, Britain's foreign secretary said Thursday.

James Cleverly said British police wanted to question the six officials over the assault on protester Bob Chan, who said masked men came out from the consulate building during a peaceful protest in October, dragged him into the consulate grounds and beat him up.