Danish police use tear gas against climate protesters, detain over 200 in Copenhagen

Danish police tear gas climate protesters

COPENHAGEN — Police are using tear gas and batons to disperse crowds of protesters trying to disrupt the U.N. climate talks in Copenhagen.

Police spokesman Per Larsen says 230 protesters have been detained in the clashes outside the suburban conference center.

Television pictures showed a man being pushed from the roof of a police van and stuck with a baton by an officer.

Protesters said they wanted to take over the global conference — and turn it into a “people’s assembly.”

Larsen said none of the activists had been able to break into the conference center.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

COPENHAGEN (AP) — The Danish president of the U.N. climate conference, Connie Hedegaard, has resigned and will be replaced by the Danish prime minister as head of the historic talks.

The change was announced Wednesday as the 193-nation conference enters into a higher phase of negotiations, with world leaders arriving.

U.N. climate chief Yvo de Boer says Hedegaard will continue to lead informal talks but Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen will now be the formal head of the conference.

Hedegaard says it’s appropriate for Loekke Rasmussen to preside with so many heads of state and government taking part.