HK protesters undaunted by violence

Hong Kong's pro-democracy protesters say they're undeterred by the violence that erupted overnight with opponents of their campaign.

The trouble erupted in the suburb of Mong Kok where police suspect some criminal gangs are operating.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) GARY YEUNG, PROTESTER AND MEDICAL VOLUNTEER, SAYING:

"I'm not familiar with the specifics but what the reports have confirmed is that the police idly stand by and let the trouble happen. We do have rumour stating that some of them are triads as well."

(SOUNDBITE)(English) KEN YUN, PROTESTER, SAYING:

"I think we are not scared about this kind of violence because this kind of act just let(s) us come out more, just (to) say this kind of act forces us to come out."

Police say 19 people were arrested during the night's scuffles.

Local broadcaster RTHK says eight of those are suspected Triad gang members.