HK police use water cannons on protesters

Bloomberg

Hong Kong police deployed water cannons for the first time after firing multiple volleys of tear gas at protesters as social unrest continued for the 12th weekend in the Asian financial centre.
Police and protesters were involved in several standoffs in the western New Territories district of Tsuen Wan on Sunday. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam held a meeting with former officials and other prominent people to find a way out of the impasse that has rocked the former British colony.
Demonstrators are looking to maintain momentum after large but peaceful protests temporarily broke a pattern of tear gas and police clashes. They formed a human chain across the city, while a plan to disrupt airport transportation services wasn’t successful. Historic mass marches opposing legislation easing extraditions to China began peacefully in June, and have since widened into a broader movement against Beijing’s increasing grip.
Police deployed water cannons and fired tear gas on Sunday as protesters blocked roads in the Tsuen Wan district.
Police used water cannons to clear barricades set up by protesters in Tsuen Wan, after firing multiple rounds of tear gas to try to disperse demonstrators who had occupied roads. There were no protesters present at the time the water cannons were used, the South China Morning Post reported on its website.
People took cover from the persistent rain and filled the stands and pitch of the Kwai Chung sports stadium, the starting point for Sunday’s rally.
Police said “radical protesters” in the clashes used electric saws to damage a number of smart lampposts, and hurled hard
objects, bricks and petrol bombs at officers.