Ukraine President condemns riot police

Ukraine’s president has condemned the violent dispersal of pro-EU protesters by riot police.

Officers in riot gear moved against several hundred protesters on Independence Square in central Kiev, beating some with truncheons.

President Viktor Yanukovych said that he condemned “the actions that led to the forceful confrontation”. He called for an investigation and for those responsible to be punished.

The demonstrators have denounced Mr Yanukovych’s refusal to sign an association agreement with the European Union.