In pictures: A dramatic escalation of violence in Hong Kong

SUMMARY

Thousands of black-clad pro-democracy protesters defied a police ban and marched in central Hong Kong on Tuesday, urging China's Communist Party to "return power to the people" as the party celebrated its 70th year of rule.

By APOct 2, 2019 8:50:56 AM IST (Published)

Marching anti-government protesters are seen through a glass with peeled off posters in Hong Kong while the celebration of the People's Republic's 70th anniversary is taking place in Beijing. Police are warning of the potential for protesters to engage in violence "one step closer to terrorism" during this week's National Day events, an assertion ridiculed by activists as propaganda meant to scare people from taking to the streets. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

An anti-government protester walks through tear gas smoke during a clash with police at the Wong Tai Sin area in Hong Kong. Thousands of black-clad pro-democracy protesters defied a police ban and marched in central Hong Kong on Tuesday, urging China's Communist Party to "return power to the people" as the party celebrated its 70th year of rule. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana )

Anti-government protesters vandalize an MTR public transport station in Hong Kong. In a fearsome escalation of violence, Hong Kong police shot a protester at close range in the chest Tuesday, leaving the teenager bleeding and howling on the ground. Tens of thousands joined anti-government demonstrations that spread across the semi-autonomous Chinese territory even as Communist leaders in Beijing celebrated 70 years in power. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Police fire tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. Thousands of black-clad protesters marched in central Hong Kong as part of multiple pro-democracy rallies Tuesday urging China's Communist Party to "return power to the people" as the party celebrated its 70th year of rule. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

An anti-government protester's umbrella lies on the ground after a clash with police in Hong Kong. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

An injured anti-government protester is attended to by others during a clash with police in Hong Kong. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe )

Police detain an anti-government protester in Hong Kong. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

A black-clad protestor stands by graffiti on the wall in Hong Kong. Hong Kong police shot a protester at close range, leaving him bleeding from his shoulder and howling on the ground, in a fearsome escalation of anti-government demonstrations that spread across the semi-autonomous Chinese territory on Tuesday. Tens of thousands marched in a day of rage as Communist leaders in Beijing celebrated 70 years in power. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

A protestor kicks back an exploded tear gas shell in Hong Kong. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

A pedestrian walks past a vandalized building in Hong Kong. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

A black-clad protestor stands inside a vandalized government office building in Hong Kong. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)