The Lunar New Year celebrations ended in violence after policemen and protesters clashed in the streets. Policemen had earlier attempted to clear illegal street vendors from the city, a move which was fiercely resisted.
The protesters, who gained social media support using the #FishballRevolution threw bricks at Policemen who eventually had to fire warning shots at the Mong Kok district.
Policemen eventually arrested three men for assault amid speculation that the protests had been planned. Hong Kong witnessed pro democracy protests in 2014 and an undercurrent of tension still remains.