The air in Hong Kong on Sunday evening was thick with tear gas and smoke from burning spot fires across the island.

Protests once again turned violent with running battles between police and front line protesters on the 17th week of anti-government demonstrations and civil unrest.

Hong Kong police prepare for a night of violence ahead of celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. Credit:Elliott Chipper

The popular Causeway Bay shopping area was the starting point for Sunday’s protests with hundreds of police in riot gear appearing outside the metro station in anticipation of an unauthorised march just after 1pm.

Officers were quickly surrounded on all sides in Causeway Place, with unmasked locals of all ages chanting and hurling abuse at officers.