A Long Night Of Violence In Sheung Wan

There was chaos in Sheung Wan and Western on Sunday night as police and anti-extradition protesters fought pitched battles, in the latest violence to rock the city.

Officers fired several rounds of tear gas at demonstrators, first at around 7 pm, then more than half an hour later, and then after 9 near Hillier Street as well as on Connaught Road West near the Macau ferry pier.

Police also fired rubber bullets.

Officers were also locked in confrontations with protesters at various locations, such as Wing On Centre near Sheung Wan MTR station.

A statement released by the police after 11 pm said, "Police officers have proceeded with another round of dispersal operation and are moving their cordon lines from Shun Tak Centre on the west side and Harbour Building on the east side."

The unrest lasted several hours until protesters began leaving the scene.

And police have again sparked controversy, this time for firing tear gas in Western, a largely residential area, during dinner time, just one day after they fired tear gas in a residential area in Yuen Long.

A woman who identified herself as Carrie said she fled the restaurant where she was eating.

She said a pregnant restaurant staff was choking in the bathroom when tear gas came into the building.

"There were families with very small children... all choking," she said.

"There were just families having their dinner, and absolutely no warning from police to local businesses or other residents to clear the area. No concern for public safety whatsoever."

As of 10 pm, four people have been injured in the police clearance operation. They were all taken to Queen Mary Hospital and were in satisfactory condition.

The MTR Corporation suspended service on the Island Lane between Sai Ying Pun and Kennedy Town from 8 to around 11:30 pm. Full operation has now resumed.

Last updated: 2019-07-28 HKT 23:39