A map of Miếu Môn airport. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Three police officers and a civilian were killed when protesters attacked soldiers building a wall at an airport in Hà Nội, the Ministry of Public Security announced on Thursday.

The Ministry of National Defence started construction of the wall around the planned military airport Miếu Môn in Đồng Tâm Commune, Mỹ Đức District, on December 31, 2019, according to a statement on the website of the public security ministry.

On Thursday morning, some protesters attacked soldiers and policemen who were in charge of protecting the site. The protesters were alleged to have used hand grenades, petrol bombs and knives.

The clash ended with three police officers and one of the protesters killed, while another protester was injured, the ministry said.

It also said that the police arrested “those who caused serious offences,” and have already launched an investigation into the fatal incident.

The ministry, however, did not elaborate on the number of those arrested, or the protesters’ objections that led to the confrontation.

In 2017, villagers in Đồng Tâm Commune held 38 officials and police officers hostage over a land dispute. They were later released after Hà Nội chairman Nguyễn Đức Chung made promises to the villagers to look into the dispute. — VNS