Violence erupted in Hong Kong last night as police cleared illegal food stalls set up for the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Protesters threw bricks and other missiles as food and hygiene inspectors tried to remove the vendors from the junction of Portland Street and Shan Tung Street in the Mong Kok district.
At least 23 people were arrested while 44 people, including police and journalists, were injured.
Street stalls are common in the Mong Kok area year-round and Hong Kong says officials usually turn a blind eye to the hawkers’ lack of official permits, but this year decided to crack down, reports the BBC. .
The unrest was flagged up on social media, where it was dubbed #fishballrevolution after one of the food delicacies sold by the hawkers.
