HOUSTON, B.C. — Mounties in northern British Columbia are investigating what they say was a violent confrontation between a group of about 20 people and Coastal GasLink employees at a worksite for the natural gas pipeline. RCMP say in a news release they were called to the area early Thursday following reports that a group of people, some allegedly armed with axes, attacked security guards and smashed vehicle windows. Police say when they tried to reach the worksite they were stopped by a downed tree, tar−covered stumps, boards with spikes sticking out of them and fires along the forest service road. When officers tried to work their way through the debris, police say several people threw “smoke bombs” and flaming sticks, injuring one officer. When police made it to the site, they say they found “significant damage” to heavy machinery, other equipment and portable buildings. B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike …