Hong Kong protests: police fire water cannon with blue dye as crowds defy ban

Protestors hurl petrol bombs and smash pro-Beijing businesses as crowds descend on luxury shopping area

Hong Kong police have fired water cannon and tear gas at crowds holinding an illegal march, with hardcore protesters throwing petrol bombs and trashing businesses to cap a week of anger after recent attacks on pro-democracy demonstrators.

Authorities had forbidden Sunday's rally in Tsim Sha Tsui, a densely-packed shopping district filled with luxury boutiques and hotels, citing public safety and previous violence from hardcore protesters.