Twitter is abuzz with realtime reports of clashes between police and residents of Hangberg, in Hout Bay.

News24’s Dan Calders is on the ground, posting an up to the minute photo essay on Twitter.

Eye witnesses have reported plumes of smoke rising from the area, and police firing rubber bullets at residents, who are firing flares in retaliation.

News24 reports that one of its journalists on the scene was struck by a rubber bullet.

Duncan Alfreds was on the phone to the News24 newsroom when he suddenly exclaimed “oh shit, I’ve been shot”.

The latest photo and video footage suggests that the police have begun moving into the area on foot to quell the unrest.

Pictures after the jump.

Police move in to Hangberg

Residents burn tyres and refuse

Police fire rubber bullets at residents