Tear gas was fired Sunday as police tried to disperse protests in Hong Kong's Tsim Sha Tsui when a group of radical protesters started hurling bricks at officers during a public protest.

In a statement, police said they deployed minimum necessary force, including tear gas to stop protesters' illegal acts.

As of 5:00 p.m., hundreds of radical protesters had thrown multiple smoke bombs near Salisbury Road, creating public panic, police said.

Members of the public were warned to avoid the areas concerned and residents were advised to stay indoors.

According to the agreement, Sunday's protest started from the famous Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower at 3 p.m. and march to Hong Kong Coliseum via Salisbury Road.

Sunday also saw hundreds of residents in Hong Kong participating in patriotic gathering at Clock Tower where they sang the Chinese national anthem and other patriotic songs to show their firm opposition against violence.

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Hong Kong residents gather to sing Chinese songs, call for peace

As night falls, groups of masked and black-clad rioters stormed and trashed shops and restaurants in Whampoa area at around 8:00 p.m.

Rioters' vandalism also spread out on the street with rioters setting up barricades and blocking Hung Hom Road and Tak Man Street. 

MRT Corporation closed Whampoa station due to the situation.

Police have rushed to the area shortly, saying arrest action will be made.