Hong Kong’s leftist riots were sparked in May 1967 by a labour dispute at an artificial flower factory. The large-scale, pro-communist protests were staged in sympathy with the mainland Cultural Revolution and against British rule.

Throughout the year, there were violent demonstrations, massive strikes, murders and even terrorist attacks on Hong Kong soil.

“Our nation’s millions of Red Guards resolutely support the patriotic compatriots of Hong Kong and Kowloon in their anti-English struggle against violent repression!” Photo: Chineseposters.net.

Many demonstrators wielded Mao’s Little Red Book as large loudspeakers were set up atop the Bank of China building broadcasting leftist propaganda.

By the time the unrest had subsided, 51 people – including five police officers – had been killed. Around 5,000 had been arrested, 15 were killed in bombings and another 350 suffered injuries. Millions of dollars worth of property had also been damaged.