News / China

Hong Kong police clash with illegal food-sellers

Tuesday, 09 February 2016 7:03 AM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 09 February 2016 12:14 PM ]

This photo taken on Feb. 9, 2016 shows Hong Kong police assisting an injured colleague during clashes. (Via AFP)

Police in Hong Kong have clashed with food hawkers resisting an operation by authorities to have them removed in crowded downtown neighborhoods.

The unrest originally started on Monday night when police moved to prevent unlicensed street food sellers from operating in Mong Kok neighborhood, a popular and densely-populated shopping and entertainment district.

On Tuesday, police fired warning shots into the air and clashed with food mongers on another street market in Kowloon.

Dozens of people were injured and arrested in the incidents, which coincided with the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Acting District Commander Yau Siu-kei said 23 men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of assaulting and obstructing officers, resisting arrest and causing public disorder. The arrested individuals were as young as 17 and as old as 70. Police said 48 officers were injured by glass and flying objects.

This AFP image taken on February 9, 2016 shows Hong Kong riot police silhouetted as rioters burn debris in the street, as battles erupted after officials tried to move illegal food sellers from an area in Mong Kok during the Lunar New Year holiday in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying told reporters that a mob had attacked police officers and journalists, adding that perpetrators would be prosecuted.

Police cars and public property were damaged, fires were started and bricks and other objects were thrown at police officers, including those already injured and lying on the ground, 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,” Leung said.

Officials said they were investigating whether the violence had been organized in advance.

The food hawkers were backed by protesters who objected to the crackdown over concerns that the local culture is disappearing.

The violence is the worst in Hong Kong since late 2014, when anti-government protesters occupied Mong Kok for about 11 weeks.

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