Thousands of protesters returned to the streets of Causeway Bay to voice against the Beijing’s security law proposal for Hong Kong in the biggest scale since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thousands gathered outside Sogo department store and walked towards Wan Chai at about 1pm, defying police warning about their illegal assembly.
Riot police fired a series rounds of tear gas at about 1.30pm, and water cannon vehicle deployed at 2.42pm. The vehicle sprayed water at about 3.20pm under the Canal Road Flyover.
Police said protesters gathered in Yee Wo Street and East Point Road since noon. Protesters later also occupied Hennessy Road and caused serious traffic obstruction, and damaged the traffic lights.
They later also blocked other locations including Yee Wo Street and Fleming Road.
Traffic cones, water-filled barriers, and railings were scattered on the ground.
Officers had been thrown by hard objects including umbrellas and water bottles. The force therefore fired tear gas.
Around 2pm, rioters set barricades on carriageways with stones, potted plants and umbrellas.
Another round of tear gas has been fired.
At least 40 people were arrested for illegal assembly, while pro-democracy activist “Fast Beat” Tam Tak-chi was arrested for organising a prohibited group gathering.
