The occupation by anti-government protesters of the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong seems to have ended. No more demonstrators were found on campus, a university official said.

“We hope we can open the university again soon to start renovation work and keep the impact on our students and our research projects limited,” said Miranda Lou of the university. The damage to the campus is huge.

The university on the Kowloon Peninsula turned into a battlefield in mid-November when protesters locked themselves in and confronted riot police. Tear gas cartridges and rubber bullets were used by the police against the demonstrators.

Last week the demonstrators began to withdraw from the university grounds. About 1100 people were arrested, some activists even trying to escape. Everyone around the campus was checked. Hospitals had their hands full with treating the injured.

Hong Kong was for months in the grip of violent protests against China’s influence and for more democracy. Since the pro-democracy camp won the district elections, the peace in the former British crown colony has somewhat returned.