Over 100 hurt as police, protesters clash in HK

Hong Kong, February 9

Nearly 90 policemen and dozens of protesters were today injured in Hong Kong after a riot erupted when officials tried to shift illegal hawkers, the worst clashes since mass pro-democracy protests in 2014.

Baton-wielding policemen fired warning shots and pepper spray after the clash started early today.

Footage showed protesters levering up bricks from pavements in the busy Mongkok district, charging police lines with homemade shields and setting rubbish on fire in the middle of the road. One officer was seen pointing his gun at crowds who hurled bricks, bottles and pieces of wooden pallets at police.

Police said nearly 90 officers were injured by broken glass or hard objects, while dozens of protesters were also hurt in the Chinese New Year clash. Police fired at least two warning shots in the air, multiple news outlets reported, a very rare occurrence in the semi-autonomous southern Chinese city.

Police Commissioner Stephen Lo defended the officer who fired the warning revolver shots, saying rioters were continuously attacking his already injured colleague.

Police said 54 protesters aged between 15-70 were arrested for assaulting police, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct in a public place, among others offences. — AFP