Police battle protesters in Kowloon Bay

Police battle protesters in Kowloon Bay

A protester was taken to hospital by ambulance after apparently suffering an eye injury. Photo: RTHK

Baton-wielding police officers moved in on brick-throwing protesters on Saturday afternoon following a stand-off in Kowloon Bay.



The two sides fought one another in the street, with protesters hurling what appeared to be a petrol bomb as well as other objects at officers.



After a few minutes, police also fired tear gas at the crowd. It was the first time they had deployed the gas in more than a week.



Sponge rounds were also seen lying on the ground following the clashes.



Several people were subdued by police during the violence.



An RTHK reporter was injured in the police operation and was taken to hospital. A protester was also taken to hospital by ambulance, apparently with an eye injury.



The protesters had earlier set up barricades on Wai Yip Street following a march from Kwun Tong to Kowloon Bay.



The police said on social media that the demonstrators had paralysed traffic in the area, seriously affecting the work of the emergency services.



Despite the clashes, many protesters remained at the scene, although they retreated some distance away from the police.