A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) was found in Mong Kok near police vans during a protest on Sunday.

At around 8pm, riot police were clearing protester roadblocks on Nathan Road before a loud bang was heard near the T.O.P mall near several police vans. 12 police vans quickly left the scene afterwards.

Pieces of red plastic bag and other debris were found nearby. A suspected IED, which included a mobile phone, was found in the mud of a flower rack.

Pieces of the suspected Improvised Explosive Device. Photo: Supplied.

Wilson Li, who was working for an international media outlet close to the scene, told HKFP that – after the loud bang – he saw a flash and smoke coming out of the device, but there were no flames.

He said the device did not cause any damage or injuries.

“If it was lethal, I would have been injured, since I was only 20 metres away,” he said.

According to a Ming Pao reporter, a strong chemical smell lingered 30 minutes after the incident.

Police returned to the scene at around 10:15pm as a vehicle belonging to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau arrived, according to Ming Pao.

City-wide protests against a now-scrapped extradition bill have entered their 19th week, as wider anger over police misconduct and demands for democracy engulf the movement.

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