Hong Kong overnight riot injures at least 48 police officers

Bricks dug out from pavements are seen left on a chair after protesters clashed with riot police at Mong Kok district in Hong Kong, China, Feb 9, 2016.[Photo/Agencies]

HONG KONG -- Some 300 rioters clashed with Hong Kong police after a clearance operation on illegal hawkers from late Monday to Tuesday morning.

At least 24 rioters were arrested and 48 police officers injured.

The riot erupted after a handful illegal street vendors refused to halt business in Mong Kok, a busy commercial district, and clashed with law enforcement officials.

Rioters then arrived and confronted with the police re-inforcement.

After one and a half hour of confrontation, the rioters attacked the police with bricks, stones and other makeshift weapons.

The police were forced to fire two warning shots in a bid to rescue personnel.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying condemned the rioters' violent behaviors Tuesday morning and expressed his support to the police for their efforts in restoring order and peace.