Despite a police ban, large crowds in Hong Kong began a march today.

The numbers of the crowds have increased due to anger over recent stabbings and beatings given to two Hong Kong pro-democracy protestors.

The march at Tsim Sha Tsui, a busy and packed shopping district which is home to many luxury boutiques and hotels, was prohibited by authorities, fearing public safety due to previous violence used by hardcore protestors.

The demonstration went ahead, however, as thousands joined the rally as pressure on the cuty's pro-Beijing leaders intensifies after nearly five months of political unrest.

Tensions before the march was banned were already running high after Jimmy Sham, the leader of the group organising today's rally, was left hospitalised by men armed with hammers.


On top of that, last night, a man handing out pro-democracy leaflets was attacked and stabbed in the stomach and the neck.

Footgae of the attack was posted to social media and showed the alleged assailant shouting after the attack: "Hong Kong is part of China. (You) messed up Hong Kong."

The rise of vigilante violence has occurred on both sides of the divide.

Pro-democracy protestors have beaten those who disagree with them, albeit in spurts of mob anger during rallies.

Meanwhile, pro-democracy figures have been attacked in a decidedly more targeted way, with at least eight prominent critics of the Chinese Government, including politicians beaten since mid-August.


Demonstrators have labelled these attacks "white terror" and have accused the city's crime groups of aligning with Beijing supporters.

Beijing have condemned attacks on those supporting China but have remained quiet on the attacks on pro-democracy figureheads.

Earlier this month, the city's unelected leader Carrie Lam banned facemasks, leading to a new wave of vandalism and protests.

The intensity of the protests have died down in recent weeks, but the cuty's subway remains closed at 10pm every night.