Hong Kong protests: Police use tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds
Hong Kong police have fired tear gas and used a water cannon to try and disperse protestors at another rally on Saturday.
The anti-government activists took cover under umbrellas but refused to leave the area.
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They responded by aiming laser beams and throwing objects at police, including petrol bombs and bricks.
Police used blue-dyed water to fire at protestors, helping to identify those involved later on.
There were also physical battles with police who used truncheons to beat activists and several arrests were made.
The day had begun with thousands of people taking to the streets in a peaceful demonstration through the city’s downtown.
“The government today said rashly embarking on political reform again will further polarise society, which is an irresponsible act,” the government news.gov.hk website said.
Read more: As protests raged, China rejected Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam’s plan to appease citizens
“It noted any discussions on constitutional development have to be premised on the legal basis, and be conducted under a peaceful atmosphere with mutual trust in a pragmatic manner.”
The protests have lasted for three months and show no sign of abating as pro-democracy activists demand that there are changes to the way Hong Kong is run.