Hong Kong protests: tear gas fired on Nathan Road as demonstrations force closure of multiple MTR stations, including Prince Edward, Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei

Riot control agent fired on Nathan Road after protesters descend on Prince Edward station demanding release of CCTV footage

Anger relates to police action on train at the rail interchange on August 31

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Anti-government protesters on Friday descended on Prince Edward MTR station, the scene of controversy over police actions a week ago. Photo: Felix Wong

Cannix Yau,Linda Lew,Kanis LeungandChris Lau

Published: 5:28pm, 6 Sep 2019Updated: 1:12pm, 7 Sep 2019

Multiple railway stations were closed as Hong Kong protests wreaked havoc on the MTR network, on another night of violence and tear gas on the city’s streets.

Hong Kong’s rail operator shut Prince Edward station during Friday’s rush hour after crowds gathered there calling for the release of CCTV footage of police taking action against anti-government protesters at the interchange on August 31.

Tear gas was later fired on Nathan Road, one of Hong Kong’s main thoroughfares, before crowds and vandalism forced the closure of most of the Tsuen Wan line, with all services suspended between Central and Mei Foo.

There were ugly scenes further south on Canton Road, where witnesses saw a man lashing out with a meat cleaver, leading protesters to besiege the residential building where he was believed to be hiding.

The MTR Corporation said shortly before the midnight that services were suspended to ensure staff and passenger safety “as equipment at Prince Edward, Mong Kok, and Yau Ma Tei stations is damaged and crowds gather near to stations”.

Tear gas was released to disperse protesters on Nathan Road at about 9.20pm on Friday, just after what appeared to be the firing of beanbag rounds from Mong Kok Police Station.