Hong Kong protesters and pro-police group clash during lunchtime demonstration in Central
- Hundreds take to streets in financial district, where they are met by dozens of police supporters, leading to scuffles
- Riot police move in to disperse both sides amid more lunchtime protests held in rage against city government
Clashes broke out between protesters and police supporters on Friday when hundreds descended on Central to rally against the Hong Kong government.
Demonstrators gathered at about 12.30pm on a bridge outside Exchange Square, which houses Hong Kong’s stock exchange in the city’s financial heartland, in another round of lunchtime protests that have been staged most days over the past two weeks.
Scuffles broke out after a pro-police group of about 50 people showed up about an hour later, but police arrived soon after to clear the area.
During at least two altercations between some members of each group, an anti-government contingent yelled “go back to China” at their adversaries, and one of their number kicked a woman walking towards the smaller group.
Police supporters responded by praising officers for protecting the city, with several adding: “We’re not afraid to come out because police will protect us.”
About 10 riot police officers arrived at around 1.35pm and urged people to leave. The police supporters left soon after, while the protesters had cleared by 2pm.
