Hong Kong police on Saturday fired blue-dyed water from water cannons as well as tear gas in the latest clash with pro-democracy protesters in the city.
Many of the anti-government protesters dressed in all black and donned masks as they took cover under umbrellas amid another set of violent clashes with police, Reuters reports.
“A large group of violent protesters are occupying Harcourt Road. They also hurled bricks at police officers. Their acts pose a serious threat to the safety of everyone on site,” police said in a statement.
Police have fired the blue-dyed water before amid efforts to disperse protesters, with the stain meant to mark the protesters.{mosads}
Earlier this month police deployed water cannons after protesters hurled stones and firebombs and ripped down a banner in honor of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and set it on fire, the BBC reported.
The latest violence on Saturday erupted after thousands had gathered peacefully in a park, which sits near central government offices, to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the “Umbrella” pro-democracy movement, according to Reuters.
Anti-government protesters attacked the legislature, occupied the airport, tossed bombs at police, vandalized metro stations and lit street fires, according to the outlet.
Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets and live rounds fired into the air, Reuters reported.
Protesters for and against Communist Party rulers in Beijing are planning demonstrations ahead of the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic on Tuesday, including at the consulate of Britain, its former colonial power.