Violence Erupts At Hong Kong Protest

Opposition to extradition Bill triggered unrest; police fire tear gas, rubber bullets at crowd

Hong Kong police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at demonstrators, who threw plastic bottles, on Wednesday as protests against an extradition Bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial descended into violent chaos.

Tens of thousands of protesters had gathered peacefully outside the Chinese-ruled city’s legislature before tempers flared, some charging police with umbrellas. Police warned them back, saying: “We will use force.”

10 wounded

Ambulances sped towards the protest area as panic spread through the crowd, with many people trying to flee the stinging tear gas, according to a witness. More than 10 people were wounded in the clashes, Cable TV reported.

Police used pepper spray, tear gas and batons to force the crowds back.