KIEV (AP) - Ukrainian police in full riot gear have encircled tents and barricades erected by anti-government protesters that are blocking city buildings in Kiev and have begun to dismantle some of them.

The police action involved at least two protest sites outside government buildings in the centre of the Ukrainian capital.

The appearance of the riot police earlier Monday had raised fears of a possible violent police crackdown against the protesters.

President Viktor Yanukovych has faced three weeks of angry protests after his decision to freeze ties with the 28-nation European Union and turn toward Russia instead.