Around 230 Arrested Over Mother's Day Protests

Police say they have arrested around 230 people in relation to protests across the city on Sunday for alleged offences ranging from not carrying ID, to disorder and assaulting officers.

In a statement, the force said it had noticed online calls for people to gather and sing in malls, and it suspected there could be violations of a social distancing law that prohibits public gatherings of more than eight people.

Nineteen people were given fixed penalty tickets for breaking the law brought in amid the Covid-19 pandemic, police said, adding that they "condemn protesters for disregarding the government’s disease prevention and control measures".

The police explained how officers went into the MOKO mall in Mong Kok at around 4pm because there were groups of people contravening the gathering law.

Officers urged people to leave, the statement said.

"Police once deployed pepper rounds after a group of people surrounded police officers and ignored warnings."

The police said one 22-year-old was found in the mall with materials "purportedly for making petrol bombs".

"Police do not rule out the possibility that someone was planning to use these objects during public events to seriously endanger public safety," the statement said.

Protesters remained in the Mong Kok area late into the night, with officers subduing groups of people, pepper-spraying and shoving journalists and forcing them to turn their cameras off, and at one stage pointing weapons skywards at surrounding buildings.

Legislator Roy Kwong was taken to hospital, reportedly with a neck injury, after he was arrested in the area, after being hit with a baton and pinned to the ground by his head.

At least 18 people ended up injured in hospital, health officials said.

Police said protesters were blocking roads and setting fires.

They said approximately 230 people aged between 12 and 65 were arrested by noon on Monday, for offences including unlawful assembly, possession of offensive weapons, possession of dangerous drugs, disorder in public places and assaulting police.

"Police stress that in view of the severe situation of the virus, any group gathering may increase the risk of spreading the virus. Members of the public are advised not to participate in any prohibited group gathering," the statement said.

"Police adopt zero tolerance against any violation and will take strict enforcement action."