Hong Kong police fire tear gas on biggest protests since COVID curbs

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and deployed water cannon as hundreds turned up to reject Beijing's plans to impose a new security law on the territory.

Crowds thronged the shopping district of Causeway Bay for the biggest demonstration in the city since COVID-19 lockdowns began.

Riot police used loudspeakers to order anti-government protestors to disperse, calling the gathering unlawful and disregarding coronavirus social distancing restrictions.

The proposed national security law, which is due for a second reading in the city's lawmaking body on Wednesday, has sparked calls for more people to take to the streets.