Police And Protesters Continue Standoff In Mongkok

Dozens of police officers are guarding sections of Nathan Road in Mong Kok this evening, blocking attempts by protesters to occupy the thoroughfare.

At around eight o' clock, anti-riot officers rushed into Shantung Street after make-shift barricades were put up to block traffic going in from Nathan Road. A taxi attempted to break through the barricades but didn't succeed. It and another taxi as well as a couple of other vehicles were stuck there briefly.

Police also called on journalists on Shantung Street to disperse, saying there were people who are not reporters mixed in with them.

A water cannon truck was also seen running up and down Nathan Road as officers broadcast warnings of the use of water cannon if protesters do not disperse.

There was also sporadic shouting of slogans at the police.

At around 9 pm, a blaze broke out on the intersection of Nelson Street and Fa Yuen Street. Riot police rushed to the scene. Firemen later arrived to put out the fire, which involved a plastic barrel and other miscellaneous items.

Shortly afterwards, several small explosions were heard on Nathan Road near Argyle Street as a blaze broke out in the middle of the road. A gas cannister was found nearby.

Lunch-time protests in Central, Admiralty and Causeway Bay extended to Mong Kok by this evening.

Earlier today, police arrested around 300 people in various areas who had turned out to protest against the proposed national anthem legislation.