Hyderabad, Dec 11 : Protesters Friday attacked the HSBC Bank in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam during a shutdown called to protest the proposed division of Andhra Pradesh.

Armed with sticks, they entered the bank located at Siripuram junction in the city and damaged the furniture and computers and broke the glass panes. The bank employees ran out for safety, police said.

Angry at finding the bank open, the protesters barged in, ransacking the office and damaging the furniture and computers. Police rushed to the scene and chased away the attackers.

The protesters also attacked the office of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation and demanded that the mayor resign to protest the proposed move to carve out a separate Telangana state from Andhra Pradesh.

In Kadapa town of Rayalaseema region, the head post office was set on fire and records destroyed.

The protesters also tried to attack the Kadapa bus depot but police used force to disperse them. (IANS)