A pro-democracy demonstrator holds up a sign outside the British Consulate in Hong Kong

A pro-democracy demonstrator holds up a sign with a picture of Winston Churchill outside the British Consulate in Hong Kong

A pro-democracy demonstrator holds up a picture of Queen Elizabeth II outside the British Consulate in Hong Kong

Hundreds of pro-democracy protesters sang “God Save the Queen” and waved Union Jack flags outside the UK consulate in Hong Kong Sunday in a new bid to gain more freedoms from the Chinese government — but tensions flared later in the city as demonstrators and cops exchanged Molotov cocktails and tear gas.

The crowd — some wearing masks — shouted “Free Hong Kong” and held up banners, including one quoting Winston Churchill’s famed World War II promise to “outlive the menace of tyranny.”

“It was promised that Hong Kong people would enjoy basic human rights and such protection,” one protester told the BBC. “We believe that the UK government has the legal rights and moral obligation to protect Hong Kong people.”

The consulate demonstration lacked the violence that has marked anti-government protests in recent months — but that changed later in the day.

Thousands defied a government ban and marched into the city’s central business district in what evolved into the latest confrontation between police and protesters.

The marchers burned Chinese flags and tore down pro-government posters, smashing windows and hurling Molotov cocktails at police — who fired tear gas and water cannons at the crowd.

“I feel this is our duty,” said Winnie Leung, one of the protesters who defied the ban. “The government wants to block us with the ban, but I want to say that the people will not be afraid.”

The protesters have clashed with authorities since June over the Chinese government’s attempt to stifle freedoms Hong Kong was promised when the British turned over the former colony to China in 1997.

Lat week they begged President Trump to “liberate” the embattled city. But the Chinese government on Sunday issued a stern warning to other countries to stay out of the months-old fray.

On Sunday, a mix of hardcore protesters in black and wearing masks, along with families and children, spilled onto the streets and marched for 1.2 miles into the central business district.

On Saturday, the protesters clashed with pro-Chinese demonstrators, which prompted baton-wielding cops to move in and break up several skirmishes.

Chinese officials contend they are still committed to the “one country, two systems” agreement, which affords Hong Kong administrative freedom despite being part of China.

With Post Wires