Masked protesters attack and trash shops in Hong Kong’s Whampoa district after stand-off with police following end of march
- Among those targeted was a branch of the Japanese restaurant brand Yoshinoya and Best Mart 360, a popular snack shop chain
- Police earlier used pepper spray after protesters deviated from approved march route; tear gas deployed after objects thrown at officers
Radical protesters attacked and vandalised shops in a Hong Kong neighbourhood shortly after a march attended by thousands ended in the city on Sunday evening.
A group of masked, black-clad protesters attacked outlets in Whampoa, a mainly residential area, trashing restaurants and shops perceived to have links to mainland China. A petrol bomb was also thrown at a police van.
Among stores targeted was a branch of the Japanese restaurant brand Yoshinoya, China Mobile, and Best Mart 360, a popular snack shop chain in Hong Kong. Outlets of these companies have been attacked in the past.
According to an employee at Yoshinoya, protesters arrived at about 8pm and started vandalising the store, setting off the sprinkler system. Riot police arrived at the scene at around 8.10pm.
Rail operator the MTR Corporation closed Whampoa station. Radicals also damaged traffic lights in the area, using open umbrellas to cover their actions.
Police said that at around 8pm “masked rioters were recklessly damaging facilities” in the area. They blocked Hung Hom Road and Tak Man Street with barricades while some stormed shops and vandalised facilities inside. The force warned that it would carry out a dispersal operation.