Wednesday's protest, which was initially peaceful and peaceful, filled Hong Kong's streets. Many held their hands in the air - a gesture that has become a symbol of the five demands the protest movement directed against the government. Among them is an investigation into the violence that protesters claim the police used.

At dusk, however, violent scenes appeared. Police tried to disperse protesters with tear gas and fired tear gas cartridges into crowds where parents went with their children. Some of the protesters in turn threw gas bombs at police, reports Reuters emailed. Particularly exposed was the area on Nathan Road in the Mong Kok district.

"Illegal get-together"

Police announced late Wednesday that about 400 people had been arrested. As a result, illegal gathering and possession of objects that could be used as assault weapons were given according to Police Chief Jim Ng. The police had also called on the protesters to end the protests earlier than planned due to unrest.

Protesters have, according to the police, brought hammer and bone iron, while materials for the production of petrol bombs have been seized. The South China Morning Post newspaper quotes police as stating that the demonstration could pose "a serious threat to public safety".

Several arrested

Unlike several other demonstrations, Wednesday's protest had been approved by the police. As organizer was the organization Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), which organized several large demonstrations.

Shortly after nine o'clock in the evening local time, organizers stated that over a million people participated in New Year's Day protests, more than a similar demonstration in early June last year. The information has not been confirmed by the Hong Kong police, who in previous demonstrations reported significantly lower attendance figures than the organizers.