Violence grips Hong Kong as police attack pro-democracy protestors

The clashes have ratcheted up fears that the city's feared triad gangs are wading into the political conflict.

Thousands of Hong Kong protesters marched from a public park to call for an independent investigation into police tactics. (Photo | AP) 

Protesters hold a placard featuring U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. flags as they take part in a march at Victoria Park. (Photo | AP)

Riot police line up outside the Liaison Office which was under attack by the pro-democracy protesters. (Photo | AP)

The National Emblem of the People's Republic of China is covered in black paint thrown by protesters outside the Chinese Liaison Office. (Photo | AP)

Hong Kong has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history by weeks of marches and sporadic violent confrontations between police and pockets of hardcore protesters. (Photo | AP)

At least 45 people were injured, of whom 22 remained hospitalized Monday morning, including one man in critical condition. (Photo | AP)

A protestor kicks a tear gas canister during the confrontation with police. (Photo | AP)

Similar assaults by pro-government vigilantes against demonstrators during the 2014 'Umbrella Movement' protests were blamed on triads. (Photo | AP)