In pictures: N Korean asylum bid

Urgent talks are under way over the fate of 15 North Koreans holed up in a school run by the German embassy in Beijing amid confusion over the diplomatic status of the compound.

The group scaled a 2 metre (6.6 feet) high wall to enter the grounds

They ran across the compound towards the school itself

The 15 tried to enter the buildings

The group were pursued by baton wielding security guards all the way

Unable to enter the buildings, they huddled on an outside staircase

There is now a stand-off while the question of sovereignty is debated

Police have surrounded the school's perimeter

They are keeping all journalists away

But supplies are being allowed in to feed the group who spent the night inside the school