The central government reiterates its firm support for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government under the leadership of its Chief Executive Carrie Lam, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Monday in response to the escalation of violence by radical protesters in Kwai Chung and Tsuen Wan on Sunday.

"We strongly support the Hong Kong police to end violence and restore order in accordance with the law," Geng added.

Sunday, some protesters blocked the road, confronted the police, attacked police officers with bricks and iron rods, and repeatedly hurled petrol bombs at police cars and police officers, seriously undermining social peace, a spokesperson of the HKSAR government said in a statement issued Monday. The HKSAR government strongly condemned the violence, according to the statement.

The escalation of violence by radical protesters is not only outrageous but puts Hong Kong on the brink of extreme danger, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said some protesters removed a national flag at the rally before the march and trampled on it. 

"Such provocation challenges the national dignity and violates the National Flag Law of the People's Republic of China and the National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance of the Hong Kong SAR," added the spokesperson.

The HKSAR government calls on the public to fight against violence, safeguard the rule of law, and restore social order as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Stephen Lo Wai-chung visited several injured officers at Princess Margaret Hospital in Kwai Chung. 

Lo expressed strong anger and condemnation against the reckless, violent and unlawful acts committed by the protesters, and said the police will strive to investigate all violent acts that have caused serious and even life-threatening injuries.