Over 30 opposition activists were arrested last night in Russia's capital, Moscow, after setting up a new protest camp.

A short stand-off between police and protesters in central Moscow resulted in the arrest of several activists, which then prompted further altercations leading to the arrest of 30 protesters.

The new camp site in central Moscow consists of about 400 people. Some activists were giving out food and drinks to the campers when police arrived and ordered them to stop, saying their actions were illegal. The police then confiscated boxes of food supplies before making several arrests, causing anger among the demonstrators.

The tension increased as demonstrators prevented police buses carrying those detained from leaving the park, saying the arrests had been made without reason. Protesters blocked the Garden Ring, one of Moscow’s busiest roads, forming a human-shield to prevent the buses from leaving.

Politicians present at the scene managed to calm the situation and those staying at the camp were allowed to return.