Huge vigil planned in Hong Kong for Tiananmen Square anniversary

More than 100,000 people are expected for a candlelit vigil for 26th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre

26 years on from the Tiananmen Square Massacre (Getty)

Today marks the 26th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre where Chinese authorities brutally crushed pro-democracy protesters in the heart of Beijing.

Several hundred people died when the Communist party sent in tanks to end the peaceful protest.

The anniversary will have added poignancy following last year’s widespread pro-democracy demonstrations that left parts of Hong Kong at a standstill.

The protests were sparked by a stipulation that candidates for Hong Kong’s chief executive must be screened before going to a public vote.