The British government has urged Chinese officials in the UK to abide by the country's laws. It says a protester calling for democracy in Hong Kong was assaulted by men who came out of the Chinese Consulate General in Manchester.

Manchester police say more than 30 people staged a demonstration calling for democracy in Hong Kong in front of the consulate on Sunday. They say several men from the consulate pulled one of the protesters into its grounds and attacked him.

BBC footage shows men who emerged from the consulate removing placards and posters with slogans criticizing the Chinese Communist Party. It also shows the men scuffle with the protesters, and one protester being punched by several people in the consulate compound.

Alicia Kearns, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons, said on Tuesday that the Chinese consul-general was seen "ripping down posters."

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said on Wednesday that he summoned China's charge d'affaires to urge Chinese officials to honor British laws and regulations. Cleverly called the protest peaceful, and said the actions of the Chinese side were unacceptable. He indicated that the British government is considering taking further steps after a police investigation is concluded.

Meanwhile, China claims some people illegally entered the consulate, and that staff were injured and the safety of the diplomatic premises was threatened.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters on Wednesday that China has made a request to Britain about a "malicious" incident at the consulate.

Wang also said China wants the British side to fulfill its responsibility and take effective measures to step up protection of facilities and personnel of the Chinese Embassy and consulates.