HK protesters defy law again, skirmishes seen

Crowds of protesters defied a police ban and took to the streets and blocked major thoroughfares of various districts of the city on Saturday.

The central and western parts of Hong Kong Island, home to the city’s core administration and business areas, have seen protesters occupy major roads despite police’s repeated warnings. Some were seen waving United States flags.

Around 5:30 pm, a group of protestors gathered around government headquarters and the Legislative Council Complex, with some hurling gasoline bombs, bricks and other missiles at police officers, while others set fires.

To disperse the crowds, the police fired tear gas and used a crowd-control vehicle with water cannons.

In a statement issued around 3:30 pm, MTR Corporation Limited, the city’s sole railway operator, announced that the Sai Ying Pun Station, as well as some exits at Sheung Wan Station, are closed in light of the growing tension.
Trains will not stop at Sai Ying Pun Station.

MTR on Friday also had its interim injunction order, banning disruptions to all rail services, extended until further notice.

Around 4:30 pm, the Kowloon Motor Bus Company announced that at least 37 bus routes have been diverted or suspended.

Starting Saturday afternoon, almost all shops in the neighborhood pulled their shutters to avoid being caught in the crossfire amid escalating tension.

Police on Saturday arrested three people, two men and one woman and seized a batch of raw materials for flammable powder that can cause explosions. They also seized a 20-centimeter-long knife, together with masks.

The arrested, aged 16-30, were held on suspicion of possessing offensive weapons after being intercepted by police at around 5:30 am in Kwun Tong.

Police on Friday said at its daily news conference that reliable tips have shown that protesters could’ve used flammable powder on Saturday’s planned mass rally.

Due to safety concerns, the rally was banned by police.