Hong Kong has been blighted by violent clashes again after protests broke out on the anniversary of its handover to Chinese rule amid widespread anger over a controversial extradition bill.
Authorities collided with anti-government demonstrators this morning, with activists demanding revocation of the bill that would allow extradition to mainland China.
Large crowds were seen facing-off in streets across Hong Kong, as police clad in riot gear forced them back with batons
Protesters were also seen trying to smash their way into the Legislative Council building as incidents broke out.
A small group of people repeatedly rammed a cargo cart and poles into a glass panel, as a crowd gathered around them.
After they managed to get the cart wedged into the damaged panel, police grabbed the cart away from them.
The authorities also posted a sign telling the protesters to stop charging before they used force.
It came ahead of an annual pro-democracy march, due to be held later on Monday, to coincide with the 22nd anniversary of the Hong Kong's handover from British to Chinese rule.
The day usually draws huge crowds and activists began to fill streets to continue their pro-democracy outcry.
Millions have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest against the now-suspended extradition law, demanding it be scrapped and Hong Kong's Beijing-backed leader Carrie Lam step down.
The embattled leader of Hong Kong pledged to be more responsive to public sentiment, as the protesters clashed with police outside a flag-raising ceremony on Monday.
Police used riot shields and pepper spray to push back hundreds of helmeted protesters who tried to force their way to the venue where the Chinese and Hong Kong flags were raised together and two helicopters and a small flotilla passed by.
"This has made me fully realise that I, as a politician, have to remind myself all the time of the need to grasp public sentiments accurately," she said in a five-minute speech to the gathering in the city's convention centre.
"I will learn the lesson and ensure that the government's future work will be closer and more responsive to the aspirations, sentiments and opinions of the community."
The uproar over the bill reignited a protest movement that had lost steam after pro-democracy demonstrations in 2014 failed to force concessions from Beijing.
The July 1 anniversary marks the handover of the former British colony in 1997, under a deal to ensure its autonomy.
However, in recent years, it has been marked by deepening despondency about what many residents see as increasing meddling by the mainland and the erosion of freedoms.
Beijing denies interfering, though many Hong Kong residents see the extradition bill as the latest step in a relentless march towards mainland control.
Organisers of the recent protests are confident anger over the city government's failure to withdraw the extradition bill will boost numbers on Monday, which is a public holiday in Hong Kong.
Financial markets and most businesses will be closed ad the rally is due to start at 6.30am GMT in Victoria Park on Hong Kong island and end at government offices near the heart of the financial centre.
The recent demonstrations have brought havoc and forced the closure of government offices on several occasions.
The South China Morning Post cited unidentified sources as saying about 5,000 riot police would be ready for any trouble.
Additional reporting by agencies.
