Eight detained in Hong Kong for assault, arson

Eight people were detained Thursday in Hong Kong's Mong Kok area which has been occupied by protesters for over 20 days.

Police said in a statement that the detained people were allegedly involved in 13 cases including assault, possession of weapon, disorderly conduct in public places and arson, Xinhua reported. More scuffles broke out last Friday night and early Saturday in Mong Kok.

Protesters were in an attempt to reclaim the roads following the blitz clearing operation launched by police Friday, when most of the tents, canopies, barricades set up by protesters were removed.

The Supreme Court of Hong Kong Monday granted injunctions requiring protesters to clear the roads illegally occupied and forbidding them from hindering the removal of obstacles from the area.

Police said the occupied streets in Mong Kok remain a high-risk area. Clashes and crimes happened once again and undermined public order.