Violent Protests At Hong Kong NY Celebrations

Lunar New Year celebrations in Hong Kong turned violent as protesters clashed with police over a street market selling fishballs and other holiday foods.

Problems began when officials tried to shut down unlicensed street food sellers on Monday night in the working-class district of Mong Kok.

Protesters supported the street vendors, who have become a traditional part of Lunar New Year celebrations, quickly gaining a social media following under the hashtag #FishballRevolution.

The protesters say that Hong Kong's culture is disappearing as Beijing exerts more power and some people are still angry at the lack of concessions from the Chinese government after the pro-democracy protests of 2014.

More than 100 protesters set fire to rubbish bins and threw paving stones, bottles and other debris at police who fired warning shots into the air.

Hong Kong TV showed officers lying on the ground being beaten with sticks and poles, along with pictures of protesters and police with blood on their faces.

In a statement, Hong Kong police said a "large number of people" had been found gathering on the road and causing "serious disturbances to public safety".

Police said that, despite warnings, the protesters refused to move and "shoved" officers, adding: "To ensure public safety and public order, police took resolute actions, including using baton and pepper spray, to stop the unlawful violent acts."

One woman and 23 men, aged between 17 and 70, were arrested on suspicion of assaulting and obstructing officers, resisting arrest and public disorder, according to Acting District Commander Yau Siu-kei.

Hong Kong's leader Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said that more than 80 officers and four journalists were injured.

The violence is the worst since pro-democracy protests shut down parts of the city - including Mong Kok - for about 11 weeks in 2014.

Mr Leung said: "I believe the public can see for themselves from TV news reports the seriousness of the situation. The (Hong Kong) government strongly condemns such violent acts. The police will apprehend the mobs and bring them to justice."