Chinese presidential visit to Wellington incident free

Wellington Police say the overnight visit of China’s President Hu Jintao to the capital was trouble free and passed without a hitch.

Inspector Marty Grenfell, acting Wellington District Commander, says 50 to 60 people were present outside the President Hu’s inner city hotel when he arrived yesterday afternoon, the majority of whom were there to show their support for the president.

Police also kept an eye on about 20 protesters quietly gathered outside Government House last night when the President arrived for a State dinner, but again there were no difficulties.

President Hu left the capital (Sunday) morning.

Meanwhile police were kept busy last night by alcohol fuelled street disorder and violence in the central city.

Inspector Grenfell says 25 people were arrested on charges including disorderly behaviour, fighting, assault, breaches of the peace and street robbery.

A small group of anti GE protesters have set up a tent city on a strip of council land outside Parliament Grounds. Police are liaising with the Wellington City Council about the protest.

© Scoop Media