– ‘Out of control’ –
It was the fourth night of clashes between protesters demanding free elections for the semi-autonomous Chinese city, and police trying to restore traffic to the major Mongkok thoroughfare, which they have brought to a standstill.
The spike in violence comes after three weeks of largely peaceful pro-democracy rallies and road blockades across a financial hub usually known for its stability.
Protesters accused the police of using “deadly” force in Mongkok overnight, with some demonstrators suffering head wounds, fractures and bruising, and others carried away on stretchers.
“If this goes on, one day there may be someone who loses his life or gets seriously injured — then the situation in Hong Kong will get out of control,” said activist Lam Cheuk-ting.
Police insisted they had used appropriate force against protesters who attempted to charge their cordon lines.
“Activists from radical organisations as well as troublemakers are mingling with other protesters,” said police spokesman Steve Hui.
“From time to time they plan, organise and direct various actions to provoke our officers and create chaos.”
Four people were arrested overnight, Hui said. Also held was a 23-year-old man who used the Internet to incite others to join the Mongkok protest and to paralyse the railways.