Police have used tear gas, pepper spray and water cannons to break up anti-government protesters in Hong Kong as thousands gathered for a banned rally calling for international emergency support.

Protesters clad in black masks and "Free Hong Kong" T-shirts flocked into Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, a busy shopping district, carrying international flags and election banners.

Meanwhile, Protesters have attacked the Hong Kong office of China’s official Xinhua news agency, smashing windows and doors.

The anti-government protests began in early June over a bill, now cancelled, to allow extraditions to mainland China. They have since evolved into a movement making other demands, including direct elections for Hong Kong’s leaders.

ILKHA