Hong Kong activists, police clash over holiday food stalls

Officials also fired gun shots in the air and used pepper spray at protesters as they set fire to garbage bins and other debris, broke vehicle windows, and hurled stones at police.

In turn, demonstrators threw bricks at the police, destroyed street signage and burned trash cans in Mong Kok, reported Reuters.

On Twitter and Facebook, the protest and ensuing clashes were nicknamed #fishballrevolution or #魚蛋個革命, referring to the name of one of Hong Kong’s favourite snacks, available at food stalls. News of the plan reached local activists who were keen to oppose any moves they deem to be threatening local traditions. The protests continued into the night, with the police deploying pepper spray and demonstrators starting roadside fires.

Officials said they were investigating whether the violence had been organized in advance.

At one point, before both sides run into the melee in the centre of a busy road, a protester attempted to handle a traffic police officer from behind, in accordance with footage shown by local news station Cable TV. When asked about the warning shots, Lai said police had taken all necessary actions.

In recent months the disappearance of five Hong Kong residents who published books critical of the Chinese government have sparked protests.

The majority of the protesters in Monday night’s were young, although there was no evidence that the disturbance was linked to Hong Kong’s Occupy movement.

Mr Leung said a mob had attacked police officers and journalists, and that the perpetrators would be prosecuted.

The scuffles underscore how tensions remain unresolved more than a year after the end of pro-democracy protests that gripped the city. Lo said nearly 90 officers were injured, some with cuts and head wounds, and 54 people were arrested.

The Hong Kong daily, South China Morning Post, is reporting that a “localist” group, known by the trademark T-shirts of its followers, was among the protesters, who confronted the police with glass bottles, flower pots and bricks.

When asked whether the violence reflected extreme dissatisfaction with governance in Hong Kong, the chief executive retorted: “I think you have to ask those people who appeared to be organisers behind this riot”.

Police officers attend to a colleague laying on the ground during riots in Mongkok district in Hong Kong.

The clash was rapidly referred to as the “Fishball Revolution” in order to mock the authorities’ attempt to remove the vendors from the streets.

Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying said the government “strongly condemns such violent acts”.

Further arrests took place in the morning, as protesters were leaving the scene and the police regained control of the area.

Two warning shots were fired during the incident, Acting District Commander Yau Siu-kei said.