Hong Kong's rail operator said the entire metro system would remain shut on Saturday in an unprecedented move as the city braced for more demonstrations after a night of chaos when police shot a teenage boy and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hong-kong-tycoon-li-ka-shing-donates-128-million-to-support-local-business-253662">pro-democracy protesters torched businesses</a> and metro stations.

Violent protests erupted across the Chinese-ruled city hours after its embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked colonial-era emergency powers last used more than 50 years ago.

For four months the city has been roiled by increasingly violent protests, which began in opposition to a bill introduced in April that would have allowed extradition to mainland China but have spiralled into a broader pro-democracy movement.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-must-protect-freedom-of-assembly-un-rights-office-253732">Beijing-backed leader</a> said a ban on face masks that took effect Saturday was ordered under the emergency laws that allow authorities to "make any regulations whatsoever" in whatever they deem to be in the public interest.

But the move enraged protesters, who took to the streets as darkness fell to vent their anger. They set fires, hurled petrol bombs at police and burned the Chinese national flag, in a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing.

Watch: Hong Kong protest - anti-mask&nbsp;law to be implemented HK Government

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Police said an officer in Yuen Long, a district in the outlying New Territories that saw fierce clashes in July, had fired a shot in self-defence after a protester threw a petrol bomb at him, setting him on fire.

Local media reported a 14-year-old boy had been shot and the city’s Hospital Authority said a 14-year-old was in a serious condition, without giving further details.

Rail operator MTR corp suspended the whole network, leaving people stranded across the city, many forced to walk home.

In a statement, it said protesters had set fires at multiple stations, including to an empty train, and injured two staff.

"As we are no longer in a position to provide safe and reliable service to passengers in the circumstances, the Corporation had no choice but to make the decision to suspend the service of its entire network including Heavy Rail, Light Rail and MTR bus," it said in a statement on Saturday morning.

The airport express, the city's main link to the airport, would also stay closed, it said, while more than a dozen shopping malls, which shut their doors early on Friday in anticipation of violence, said they would also not re-open.

Around a hundred demonstrators besieged a Bank of China (HK) branch in the high-end shopping district of Causeway Bay, while across the harbour in Kowloon district protesters smashed the glass store front of a China Life branch.

Police fired volleys of tear gas to disperse protesters in flashpoint districts across the territory, including Causeway Bay, Sha Tin and Wong Tai Sin, underscoring the challenges facing authorities as the protests show no sign of letting up.

Further demonstrations are planned for the weekend, including a march on Saturday from Salisbury Garden in Kowloon.

Hong Kong's rail operator said the entire metro system would remain shut on Saturday in an unprecedented move as the city braced for more demonstrations after a night of chaos when police shot a teenage boy and pro-democracy protesters torched businesses and metro stations.

Hong Kong's rail operator said the entire metro system would remain shut on Saturday in an unprecedented move as the city braced for more demonstrations after a night of chaos when police shot a teenage boy and pro-democracy protesters torched businesses and metro stations. Violent protests erupted across the Chinese-ruled city hours after its embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked colonial-era emergency powers last used more than 50 years ago. For four months the city has been roiled by increasingly violent protests, which began in opposition to a bill introduced in April that would have allowed extradition to mainland China but have spiralled into a broader pro-democracy movement. The Beijing-backed leader said a ban on face masks that took effect Saturday was ordered under the emergency laws that allow authorities to "make any regulations whatsoever" in whatever they deem to be in the public interest. But the move enraged protesters, who took to the streets as darkness fell to vent their anger. They set fires, hurled petrol bombs at police and burned the Chinese national flag, in a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing. Watch: Hong Kong protest - anti-mask law to be implemented HK Government × Police said an officer in Yuen Long, a district in the outlying New Territories that saw fierce clashes in July, had fired a shot in self-defence after a protester threw a petrol bomb at him, setting him on fire. Local media reported a 14-year-old boy had been shot and the city’s Hospital Authority said a 14-year-old was in a serious condition, without giving further details. Rail operator MTR corp suspended the whole network, leaving people stranded across the city, many forced to walk home. In a statement, it said protesters had set fires at multiple stations, including to an empty train, and injured two staff. "As we are no longer in a position to provide safe and reliable service to passengers in the circumstances, the Corporation had no choice but to make the decision to suspend the service of its entire network including Heavy Rail, Light Rail and MTR bus," it said in a statement on Saturday morning. The airport express, the city's main link to the airport, would also stay closed, it said, while more than a dozen shopping malls, which shut their doors early on Friday in anticipation of violence, said they would also not re-open. Around a hundred demonstrators besieged a Bank of China (HK) branch in the high-end shopping district of Causeway Bay, while across the harbour in Kowloon district protesters smashed the glass store front of a China Life branch. Police fired volleys of tear gas to disperse protesters in flashpoint districts across the territory, including Causeway Bay, Sha Tin and Wong Tai Sin, underscoring the challenges facing authorities as the protests show no sign of letting up. Further demonstrations are planned for the weekend, including a march on Saturday from Salisbury Garden in Kowloon.

Hong Kong metro system to remain shut as city reels from night of violent protests

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hand-in-hand-hong-kong-protesters-form-human-chain-252941">Hong Kong</a> police officer shot a protester in the chest with a live round on Tuesday after his unit was attacked by demonstrators during sustained clashes in the city, a police source said.

"An officer discharged his firearm after coming under attack and a protester was struck in the chest in Tsuen Wan district today," the source said, requesting anonymity.

The wounded protester received initial first aid from officers before paramedics arrived, the source said, adding the victim was then taken to Princess Margaret Hospital.

A Hospital Authority spokeswoman told AFP that 15 people had been admitted to hospitals across the city following Tuesday's clashes, one of whom was in a critical condition at Princess Margaret.

She would not confirm if the critical patient was the man who had been shot.

Two videos posted online showed the shooting and its aftermath, which took place in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-national-day-hong-kong-defies-china-anniversary-with-day-of-grief-rallies-and-clashes-252997">Tsuen Wan</a>, a district where hardcore protesters had clashed with police throughout the afternoon.

Some half a dozen riot police can be seen clashing with around 12 masked protesters, some of whom were using umbrellas and metal poles to strike the officers.

One officer runs into the frame with his sidearm drawn.

He kicks a protester before firing at near point black range into the chest of a demonstrator with a metal pole in his hand.

A gunshot can be heard as the pistol rears upwards.

The protester stumbles backwards and then falls over a police officer who has been knocked to the ground as the rest of the demonstrators run away.

A second video, filmed by Hong Kong University's Campus TV, showed the same incident from a different angle.

A third video posted on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-tightens-political-advert-rules-for-singapore-252233">Facebook</a> by student reporters at Hong Kong's City University showed the young man lying on the floor, blood seeping from a wound to the upper left part of his chest.

"Send me to hospital," the young man, who gave his name Tsang Chi-kin, tells reporters. "My chest is hurting, I need to go to the hospital."

Footage filmed shortly afterwards by local broadcaster Stand News showed police officers treating the prone man, who by then had an oxygen mask on his face and his t-shirt cut open.

A dressing used to treat a sucking chest wound had been applied to his torso.

Paramedics later arrived on scene and placed the man, who was still conscious, onto a stretcher.

A Hong Kong police officer shot a protester in the chest with a live round on Tuesday after his unit was attacked by demonstrators during sustained clashes in the city, a police source said.

A Hong Kong police officer shot a protester in the chest with a live round on Tuesday after his unit was attacked by demonstrators during sustained clashes in the city, a police source said. "An officer discharged his firearm after coming under attack and a protester was struck in the chest in Tsuen Wan district today," the source said, requesting anonymity. The wounded protester received initial first aid from officers before paramedics arrived, the source said, adding the victim was then taken to Princess Margaret Hospital. A Hospital Authority spokeswoman told AFP that 15 people had been admitted to hospitals across the city following Tuesday's clashes, one of whom was in a critical condition at Princess Margaret. She would not confirm if the critical patient was the man who had been shot. Two videos posted online showed the shooting and its aftermath, which took place in Tsuen Wan, a district where hardcore protesters had clashed with police throughout the afternoon. Some half a dozen riot police can be seen clashing with around 12 masked protesters, some of whom were using umbrellas and metal poles to strike the officers. One officer runs into the frame with his sidearm drawn. He kicks a protester before firing at near point black range into the chest of a demonstrator with a metal pole in his hand. A gunshot can be heard as the pistol rears upwards. The protester stumbles backwards and then falls over a police officer who has been knocked to the ground as the rest of the demonstrators run away. A second video, filmed by Hong Kong University's Campus TV, showed the same incident from a different angle. A third video posted on Facebook by student reporters at Hong Kong's City University showed the young man lying on the floor, blood seeping from a wound to the upper left part of his chest. "Send me to hospital," the young man, who gave his name Tsang Chi-kin, tells reporters. "My chest is hurting, I need to go to the hospital." Footage filmed shortly afterwards by local broadcaster Stand News showed police officers treating the prone man, who by then had an oxygen mask on his face and his t-shirt cut open. A dressing used to treat a sucking chest wound had been applied to his torso. Paramedics later arrived on scene and placed the man, who was still conscious, onto a stretcher.

Police shoot Hong Kong protester in chest during clashes

For Hong Kong resident Yung Xiu Kwan, 67, a proposed extradition law that would allow people in the former British colony to be sent to mainland China for a trial was the final straw.

Yung is packing her bags and leaving the Chinese-ruled city to set up a new life in proudly democratic Taiwan, fed up with what she sees as Beijing's ever-encroaching grip over the city that has led to an erosion of civil liberties.

"Without freedom and democracy, it's like being put in jail, like living in a concentration camp ... without freedom, (I) would rather die," said Yung, as she waved a Taiwan flag at a massive protest in Hong Kong on Sunday.

"Taiwan can offer that because Taiwan has democratic elections and a constitution that safeguards democracy."

Hong Kong has been governed under a "one country, two systems" formula since its return from British to Chinese rule in 1997, allowing it certain freedoms, including an independent judiciary. Courts in mainland China are controlled by the Communist Party.

Yung is joining thousands of people who have left for Taiwan in recent years, citing fears of Chinese erosion of one country, two systems, a concept Beijing hopes it can introduce one day in Taiwan.

Beijing has never renounced the use of force to take over neighbouring, self-ruled Taiwan, which it regards as a recalcitrant, breakaway province.

While Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam indefinitely suspended the extradition bill, protest organisers said about two million people still took to the streets on Sunday to call for a full withdrawal and to demand Lam step down.

Some Hong Kong tycoons have started moving personal wealth offshore amid concerns over the legislation.

Beacon of democracy

The Hong Kong protests, which saw police use rubber bullets and tear gas, were the most violent to rock the city in decades and marked the biggest challenge the financial hub has posed to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Taiwan, overwhelmingly opposed to a "one country, two systems" formula for itself, has voiced support for Hong Kong. It has remained defiant amid escalating Chinese pressure, with many resolutely rejecting Beijing's call for "reunification".

The extradition bill is the latest in a string of issues that have troubled ties between Hong Kong and Beijing, with Hong Kong people increasingly upset by an inflow of Chinese immigrants and sky-high property prices partly pushed by mainland investors.

Many accuse China of extensive meddling, including obstruction of democratic reforms, interference with elections and of being behind the disappearance of five Hong Kong-based booksellers, starting in 2015, who specialised in works critical of Chinese leaders.

Chan, 30, who declined to give his full name, said the rapid pace of Beijing's encroachment on Hong Kong's civil liberties had taken him by surprise.

"It's like there's a burglar in my house and I'm the one who's forced to leave because I couldn't defeat him," said Chan, who moved to Taiwan in 2016 and is planning to arrange for his parents to retire there.

The number of people granted Taiwan residency from Hong Kong and neighbouring Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave also given special autonomy under Chinese rule, had more than doubled to 1,267 in 2018 from a decade ago, official data shows.

The trend spiked in the two years following massive protests calling for full democracy in 2014 that paralysed parts of Hong Kong for months. And it shows no signs of abating. There were around 400 such immigrants to Taiwan in the first four months of 2019, a 40% jump from a year ago.

"I'm moving to Taiwan with my wife next year," said Melvin Chu, a Hong Kong resident in his late 20s who joined Sunday's rally, citing worries over political freedoms.

"Things are getting worse in Hong Kong. We are worried for the next generation."

Some Hong Kong youth are so desperate to leave they have opted to join Taiwan's compulsory military service for men under 36 in a bid to get residency, which comes at a price tag of HK$1.5 million ($191,600).

Taiwan politicians have wasted no time in showing their support for Hong Kong amid a heated presidential race in which candidates' policies towards China are closely examined.

Seeking a second term, President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly urged the Hong Kong government to respect the people's will, while sounding the alarm over Beijing's "trap" to absorb Taiwan.

Foxconn chairman Terry Gou, seeking an opposition party's presidential nomination, promised to "open his arms" to Hong Kong immigrants looking to find "a new home for democracy and freedom" if he became Taiwan's next president.

"It's a democratic beacon for Hong Kong," Cheng Chung-man, a 32-year-old who works for a lawmaker in Hong Kong's Legislative Council, told Reuters of Taiwan at Sunday's rally.

"It gives Hong Kong people hope."

For Hong Kong resident Yung Xiu Kwan, 67, a proposed extradition law that would allow people in the former British colony to be sent to mainland China for a trial was the final straw.

For Hong Kong resident Yung Xiu Kwan, 67, a proposed extradition law that would allow people in the former British colony to be sent to mainland China for a trial was the final straw. Yung is packing her bags and leaving the Chinese-ruled city to set up a new life in proudly democratic Taiwan, fed up with what she sees as Beijing's ever-encroaching grip over the city that has led to an erosion of civil liberties. "Without freedom and democracy, it's like being put in jail, like living in a concentration camp ... without freedom, (I) would rather die," said Yung, as she waved a Taiwan flag at a massive protest in Hong Kong on Sunday. "Taiwan can offer that because Taiwan has democratic elections and a constitution that safeguards democracy." Hong Kong has been governed under a "one country, two systems" formula since its return from British to Chinese rule in 1997, allowing it certain freedoms, including an independent judiciary. Courts in mainland China are controlled by the Communist Party. Yung is joining thousands of people who have left for Taiwan in recent years, citing fears of Chinese erosion of one country, two systems, a concept Beijing hopes it can introduce one day in Taiwan. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to take over neighbouring, self-ruled Taiwan, which it regards as a recalcitrant, breakaway province. While Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam indefinitely suspended the extradition bill, protest organisers said about two million people still took to the streets on Sunday to call for a full withdrawal and to demand Lam step down. Some Hong Kong tycoons have started moving personal wealth offshore amid concerns over the legislation. Beacon of democracy The Hong Kong protests, which saw police use rubber bullets and tear gas, were the most violent to rock the city in decades and marked the biggest challenge the financial hub has posed to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Taiwan, overwhelmingly opposed to a "one country, two systems" formula for itself, has voiced support for Hong Kong. It has remained defiant amid escalating Chinese pressure, with many resolutely rejecting Beijing's call for "reunification". The extradition bill is the latest in a string of issues that have troubled ties between Hong Kong and Beijing, with Hong Kong people increasingly upset by an inflow of Chinese immigrants and sky-high property prices partly pushed by mainland investors. Many accuse China of extensive meddling, including obstruction of democratic reforms, interference with elections and of being behind the disappearance of five Hong Kong-based booksellers, starting in 2015, who specialised in works critical of Chinese leaders. Chan, 30, who declined to give his full name, said the rapid pace of Beijing's encroachment on Hong Kong's civil liberties had taken him by surprise. "It's like there's a burglar in my house and I'm the one who's forced to leave because I couldn't defeat him," said Chan, who moved to Taiwan in 2016 and is planning to arrange for his parents to retire there. The number of people granted Taiwan residency from Hong Kong and neighbouring Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave also given special autonomy under Chinese rule, had more than doubled to 1,267 in 2018 from a decade ago, official data shows. The trend spiked in the two years following massive protests calling for full democracy in 2014 that paralysed parts of Hong Kong for months. And it shows no signs of abating. There were around 400 such immigrants to Taiwan in the first four months of 2019, a 40% jump from a year ago. "I'm moving to Taiwan with my wife next year," said Melvin Chu, a Hong Kong resident in his late 20s who joined Sunday's rally, citing worries over political freedoms. "Things are getting worse in Hong Kong. We are worried for the next generation." Some Hong Kong youth are so desperate to leave they have opted to join Taiwan's compulsory military service for men under 36 in a bid to get residency, which comes at a price tag of HK$1.5 million ($191,600). Taiwan politicians have wasted no time in showing their support for Hong Kong amid a heated presidential race in which candidates' policies towards China are closely examined. Seeking a second term, President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly urged the Hong Kong government to respect the people's will, while sounding the alarm over Beijing's "trap" to absorb Taiwan. Foxconn chairman Terry Gou, seeking an opposition party's presidential nomination, promised to "open his arms" to Hong Kong immigrants looking to find "a new home for democracy and freedom" if he became Taiwan's next president. "It's a democratic beacon for Hong Kong," Cheng Chung-man, a 32-year-old who works for a lawmaker in Hong Kong's Legislative Council, told Reuters of Taiwan at Sunday's rally. "It gives Hong Kong people hope."

Many in Hong Kong, fearful of China's grasp, flee to Taiwan

Police fought with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/million-march-huge-hong-kong-protest-against-china-extradition-law-225733">protesters in Hong Kong </a>early Monday, using batons and pepper spray as they tried to clear demonstrators from the city's parliament after a massive crowd marched against plans to allow extraditions to China.

Protesters hurled bottles and used metal barricades as police moved in on a small group who had vowed to stay outside the legislature overnight, an AFP reporter on the scene said.

At least one police officer could be seen with blood streaming down his face.

The melees began shortly after midnight following a day that had seen a huge peaceful protest make its way through the city without incident.&nbsp;

Organisers said more than a million people marched in blazing summer heat through the cramped streets of the financial hub's main island on Sunday in a noisy, colourful demonstration calling on the government to scrap its planned extradition law.

Small groups of young protesters had planned to stay outside the city's legislature until Wednesday when the extradition bill is due to have its second reading.

But police moved in on them after their permission to protest expired at midnight.&nbsp;

Within minutes scenes of chaos unfolded as protesters fought with officers who were soon backed by riot police.

Live television images showed officers deploying pepper spray hoses to push the crowds back.&nbsp;

The scenes were reminiscent of 2014 when police used tear gas to disperse pro-democracy demonstrators outside the same building, sparking public anger and setting off two months of demonstrations that took over key intersections of the international finance hub.

Police fought with protesters in Hong Kong early Monday, using batons and pepper spray as they tried to clear demonstrators from the city's parliament after a massive crowd marched against plans to allow extraditions to China.

Police fought with protesters in Hong Kong early Monday, using batons and pepper spray as they tried to clear demonstrators from the city's parliament after a massive crowd marched against plans to allow extraditions to China. Protesters hurled bottles and used metal barricades as police moved in on a small group who had vowed to stay outside the legislature overnight, an AFP reporter on the scene said. At least one police officer could be seen with blood streaming down his face. The melees began shortly after midnight following a day that had seen a huge peaceful protest make its way through the city without incident. Organisers said more than a million people marched in blazing summer heat through the cramped streets of the financial hub's main island on Sunday in a noisy, colourful demonstration calling on the government to scrap its planned extradition law. Small groups of young protesters had planned to stay outside the city's legislature until Wednesday when the extradition bill is due to have its second reading. But police moved in on them after their permission to protest expired at midnight. Within minutes scenes of chaos unfolded as protesters fought with officers who were soon backed by riot police. Live television images showed officers deploying pepper spray hoses to push the crowds back. The scenes were reminiscent of 2014 when police used tear gas to disperse pro-democracy demonstrators outside the same building, sparking public anger and setting off two months of demonstrations that took over key intersections of the international finance hub.

Violence breaks out as police try to clear Hong Kong protesters