Hong Kong protesters use empty swimming pool to test petrol bombs at their 'weapon factory' while others wielding medieval-style weaponry build watchtowers and catapults to fend off police

  • Hong Kong's democracy protesters are combining new tactics with medieval tech as they battle police  
  • University students say they have been pressed into the defence of their campuses by police threats 
  • The city's government had denied 'rumour' which suggested it would 'announce curfew for weekend'
  • The campus of the Chinese University of Hong Kong has been turned into a 'weapons factory', police said
  • Footage shows students testing Molotov cocktails in a pool and a school canteen filled with supplies for them
  • Mainland students have fled Hong Kong in fear of their lives and authority cancelled all classes until Sunday 
  • Pro-democracy protesters paralysed parts of the Chinese-ruled city for a fourth day running on Thursday
  • President Xi said he supported the city's authorities to 'severely penalise violent and criminal individuals' 

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Footage has shown protesters in Hong Kong using a dried-out swimming pool as their testing ground for home-made petrol bombs. 

A group of masked and black-clad activists are seen practising tossing Molotov cocktails into the empty pool at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, according to the video.  

With wooden catapults to launch petrol bombs and bows and arrows pilfered from sports departments, the city's protesters are combining new tactics with medieval tech as they battle police.

Police said yesterday that students were turning their university into a 'weapon factory' as the city was faced with wide-spread violence fuelled by self-developed weaponry. 

Roads in the financial hub have been blockaded with bamboo lattices this week, while mini Stonehenge-like structures have been built from dug-up pavement as the southern Chinese city lurches deeper into crisis.

Universities have become the epicentre of battle, with students - joined by other black-clad 'braves' of the frontline protest movement - saying they have been pressed into the defence of their campuses by police threats.  

Another clip shows the university's canteen filled with huge piles of clothing and instant noodles, ready for protesters to use.  

Chinese President Xi Jinping today said he supported the city's authorities to 'severely penalise violent and criminal individuals'.

Speaking ahead of the 11th BRICS leaders summit in Brazil, President Xi said he supported the city's Chief Executive Carrie Lam, police as well as legal authorities to 'halt violence, curb chaos and restore order', referring to it as 'the most urgent task'.

He condemned the demonstrators' 'progressive, violent and criminal behaviour' as well as interference from 'foreign forces'.

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Stronghold: Students in Hong Kong have built their own 'watchtowers' in preparation for fresh clashes with riot police

Stronghold: Students in Hong Kong have built their own 'watchtowers' in preparation for fresh clashes with riot police

Strategic position: Student protesters look out from a raised platform on a barricaded bridge which leads into the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Wednesday. The university's campus has been turned into a 'weapons factory', police said

Strategic position: Student protesters look out from a raised platform on a barricaded bridge which leads into the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Wednesday. The university's campus has been turned into a 'weapons factory', police said

Ready for renewed battle: Protesters scout at a makeshift gate during a standoff with riot police at the Chinese University of Hong Kong today

Ready for renewed battles: Anti-government protesters scout at a makeshift gate during a standoff with riot police at the Chinese University of Hong Kong today. The Chinese-ruled city has been rocked by four straight days of violence

Protesters train to throw Molotov cocktails next to a swimming pool at the campus of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Protesters train to throw Molotov cocktails next to a swimming pool at the campus of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Social media footage shows the activists throwing Molotov cocktails into the dried-out pool to prepare for clashes with police

Social media footage shows the activists throwing Molotov cocktails into the dried-out pool to prepare for clashes with police

Violence has surged in Hong Kong this week after a 22-year-old student died falling from a parking garage during clashes

Violence has surged in Hong Kong this week after a 22-year-old student died falling from a parking garage during clashes

'Free Hong Kong, revolution Now': Pro-democracy protesters put up a flag on a barricade during a demonstration on the No.2 Bridge at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Wednesday. Throngs of mainland Chinese student have fled the city

'Free Hong Kong, revolution Now': Pro-democracy protesters put up a flag on a barricade during a demonstration on the No.2 Bridge at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Wednesday. Throngs of mainland Chinese student have fled the city

At the front line: Protesters occupy the No.2 Bridge above an expressway at the Chinese University of Hong Kong today

At the front line: Protesters occupy the No.2 Bridge above an expressway at the Chinese University of Hong Kong today

The messenger: A protester holds a loud speaker on a stand at the No.2 Bridge at the Chinese University of Hong Kong today

The messenger: A protester holds a loud speaker on a stand at the No.2 Bridge at the Chinese University of Hong Kong today

Chinese state media reported earlier today that the city's government 'expected to announce curfew for weekend'. Hong Kong government has denied the 'rumour' on its official website. 

As a rolling strike cripples the transport system of the famously frenetic city and fuels already intense clashes with police, hardcore protesters have bolstered their arsenal of Molotovs and bricks with an unlikely array of weapons.

Those include sports gear - javelins and bows and arrows lifted from university storerooms, as well as tennis racquets to bat away tear-gas canisters.

Chairs and mattresses have been pulled from college dorms for use as barricades or shields against increasingly heavy barrages of police rubber bullets.

This homespun approach has also taken on a medieval edge in one of Asia's most modern cities.

Giant wooden catapults have been constructed from scratch, while caltrops - three-pronged spikes made of plastic piping and nails - have been laid to impede officers on foot alongside mazes of bricks to trip up police snatch squads. 

Petrol bomb launcher: Protesters test a self-made catapult on the barricaded bridge which leads into the Chinese University of Hong Kong yesterday. Demonstrators launched some 400 Molotov Cocktails at riot officers amid escalating violence

Petrol bomb launcher: Protesters test a self-made catapult on the barricaded bridge which leads into the Chinese University of Hong Kong yesterday. Demonstrators launched some 400 Molotov Cocktails at riot officers amid escalating violence

Anger boiled in Hong Kong following the death of a student who fell from a car park as police used teargas against protesters

Anger boiled in Hong Kong following the death of a student who fell from a car park as police used teargas against protesters

Protesters carry a hand-made catapult for fighting against the police during a protest at Hong Kong Baptist University in Kowloon Tong area in Hong Kong yesterday. Police said 39.3 per cent of the activists who had been arrested were students

Protesters carry a hand-made catapult for fighting against the police during a protest at Hong Kong Baptist University in Kowloon Tong area in Hong Kong yesterday. Police said 39.3 per cent of the activists who had been arrested were students

Protesters stand on ladders to look out for police as they occupy the Chinese University in Hong Kong, China, yesterday

Protesters stand on ladders to look out for police as they occupy the Chinese University in Hong Kong, China, yesterday

Protesters try using a catapult made with bamboo at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong, China, yesterday

Protesters try using a catapult made with bamboo at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong, China, yesterday

Protesters carry a hand-made catapult for fighting against the police during a protest at Hong Kong Baptist University in Kowloon Tong area in Hong Kong, China, yesterday. Chaos and confrontations have continued today after three days

Protesters carry a hand-made catapult for fighting against the police during a protest at Hong Kong Baptist University in Kowloon Tong area in Hong Kong, China, yesterday. Chaos and confrontations have continued today after three days

Protesters practice a catapult with stones at the back of a barricade on a road leading to Hong Kong Baptist University in Hong Kong, China, yesterday. Locals showed their support to the youth by providing them with supplies for making 'weapons'

Protesters practice a catapult with stones at the back of a barricade on a road leading to Hong Kong Baptist University in Hong Kong, China, yesterday. Locals showed their support to the youth by providing them with supplies for making 'weapons' 

Around a thousand protesters waited at Hong Kong Polytechnic University as Thursday afternoon wore on, anticipating a police charge in the hours ahead.

The campus faces the Cross Harbour tunnel, a key route between the Kowloon peninsula, which is connected by land to the Chinese mainland, and the finance centre of Hong Kong Island.

Protesters closed the link late Wednesday and had rolled a catapult into view of the tunnel in case police tried to breach the barricade.

'If they come later we're going to load it with bricks, Molotov cocktails and flammable arrows,' said a 23-year-old protester, giving the pseudonym Ah Fai.  

Flaming arrow: A masked protester prepares to fire their bow and arrow on the campus of the Chinese University of Hong Kong in the early hours of yesterday morning, as clashes took place across numerous universities

Flaming arrow: A masked protester prepares to fire their bow and arrow on the campus of the Chinese University of Hong Kong in the early hours of yesterday morning, as clashes took place across numerous universities 

Armed: Students with home-made equipment including a bow and arrow and a riot shield, many of them wearing gas masks, take their position outside the Chinese University in Hong Kong yesterday morning

Armed: Students with home-made equipment including a bow and arrow and a riot shield, many of them wearing gas masks, take their position outside the Chinese University in Hong Kong yesterday morning 

Unleashed: A protester releases a flaming arrow with his bow to light a barricade in the early hours of yesterday morning as demonstrators battled with police on campuses through the night

Unleashed: A protester releases a flaming arrow with his bow to light a barricade in the early hours of yesterday morning as demonstrators battled with police on campuses through the night 

Detained: A man is pinned to the ground by riot police wearing helmets in the centre of Hong Kong yesterday as demonstrators blocked roads and occupied the city centre for a third day running

Detained: A man is pinned to the ground by riot police wearing helmets in the centre of Hong Kong yesterday as demonstrators blocked roads and occupied the city centre for a third day running 

The tactic fits a pattern. AFP photographs show a flame-tipped arrow being fired by a protester on Wednesday from a bridge towards a police line.

Meanwhile video clips circulating on social media show jubilant demonstrators celebrating as a practice round of material - also ablaze - hurtles through the air from a catapult.

Nearly six months on, the leaderless protest movement remains characterised by ingenuity and collective action.

But it is now also defined by increasing paranoia and violence in the face of a police force protesters accuse of brutality - and an unyielding government. 

Anti-government protesters make a barricade with a smashed car door at the Chinese University in Hong Kong yesterday

Anti-government protesters make a barricade with a smashed car door at the Chinese University in Hong Kong yesterday

Protesters rest near barricades and stacks of bricks at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong today

Protesters rest near barricades and stacks of bricks at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong today

Protesters with gas masks and helmets guard a bridge leading into Chinese University of Hong Kong in the early hours today

Protesters with gas masks and helmets guard a bridge leading into Chinese University of Hong Kong in the early hours today

A protester holds a bow as he stay at a makeshift gate during a standoff with police at the Chinese University of Hong Kong

A protester holds a bow as he stay at a makeshift gate during a standoff with police at the Chinese University of Hong Kong

Protesters scout at a makeshift gate during a standoff with riot police at the Chinese University of Hong Kong today

Protesters scout at a makeshift gate during a standoff with riot police at the Chinese University of Hong Kong today

At Hong Kong Polytechnic University on Thursday students set up a 'customs' barrier to search all entrants including media.

'This is to prevent any plainclothes officers from entering,' said Michael, a 23-year-old student, giving one name like most protesters.

'I don't know the effectiveness of it but it's better than nothing.'

Police accused protesters of turning the Chinese University of Hong Kong, one of the city's most prestigious campuses and the scene of running battles on Tuesday night, into a 'weapons factory'.

'The truth speaks for itself,' Hong Kong police spokesman John Tse told reporters on Thursday, accusing 'rioters' of throwing petrol bombs off bridges, widespread arson attacks and firing arrows at a police patrol. 

Protesters occupy on the No.2 Bridge above an expressway at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 14

Protesters occupy on the No.2 Bridge above an expressway at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 14

Protesters have organised a general strike since Monday as demonstrations in Hong Kong stretched into its sixth month

Protesters have organised a general strike since Monday as demonstrations in Hong Kong stretched into its sixth month

Activists demand for an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality, the retraction of the word 'riot' to describe the rallies, and genuine universal suffrage. The city's Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, has so far rejected all of these demands

Activists demand for an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality, the retraction of the word 'riot' to describe the rallies, and genuine universal suffrage. The city's Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, has so far rejected all of these demands

Protesters camp in front of a barricade on the No.2 Bridge above an expressway at the Chinese University of Hong Kong today

Protesters camp in front of a barricade on the No.2 Bridge above an expressway at the Chinese University of Hong Kong today

Protesters scout at a makeshift gate during a standoff with riot police at the Chinese University of Hong Kong today

Protesters scout at a makeshift gate during a standoff with riot police at the Chinese University of Hong Kong today

In return protesters face a police force armed with batons, rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannon and handguns - a protester was shot on Monday at close range by a traffic cop.

Later that day a man shouting pro-Beijing slogans at protesters on a walkway was doused in flammable liquid and set alight.

He remains in a critical condition.

Hong Kong remains littered with barricades, broken glass and bricks - collected into small castles in acts of defiance.

'Some are stacked for art,' said a 17-year-old frontline protester who identified himself as Sam.

'Others we stacked higher so that the cops might run into them while they're running.'

A protester practices with a Molotov cocktail at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong, China, today

A protester practices with a Molotov cocktail at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong, China, today

Hong Kong is in its sixth month of mass protests, which were originally triggered by a now withdrawn extradition bill

Hong Kong is in its sixth month of mass protests, which were originally triggered by a now withdrawn extradition bill

Protesters with umbrellas block a road near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University as they prepare to clash with police

Protesters with umbrellas block a road near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University as they prepare to clash with police

Activists wearing gas masks cordon off the road near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University as they prepare to clash with police

Protesters wearing masks cordon off the road near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University as they prepare to clash with police

At City University, protesters used ping pong tables, potted plants, furniture, sports equipment, and bamboo to form a network of barricades to block roads and fortify the entrances to the student residence complex.

Hundreds of protesters wearing gas masks and helmets tore up piles of paving bricks and ceramic tiles to hurl at police, while others stockpiled dozens of petrol bombs, distributing them to their forward positions.

Small groups sat chatting as they fashioned garden hose and nails into spikes to puncture car tyres.

The scene this week was repeated at nearly half a dozen campuses across Hong Kong, where demonstrators say they have been forced into taking a harder line by the government.

Until now, the anti-government protesters have used fast-moving, hit-and-run tactics to 'be like water' and avoid arrest in clashes with police.

But with protesters beginning to wield bows and arrows and occupying improvised breastworks, the tactics threaten to take the pro-democracy campaign to a new level of risk for all sides. 

Protesters walk past paving bricks used to block a road at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong today

Protesters walk past paving bricks used to block a road at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong today

Protesters build a wall to block a road at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong on November 14

Protesters build a wall to block a road at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong on November 14

Police clear a street with bricks left by pro-democracy protesters scattered on the pavement during a flash mob in Central

Police clear a street with bricks left by pro-democracy protesters scattered on the pavement during a flash mob in Central 

Protesters gather on a rooftop at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong on November 14

Protesters gather on a rooftop at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong on November 14

Protesters gather on a rooftop at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong on November 14

Protesters gather on a rooftop at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong on November 14

The protesters say their non-violent efforts have been met by brutal police tactics, and their weapons are needed to protect themselves.

Police have shot and wounded at least three protesters.

'It has never been a fair war zone,' said 23-year-old Josh, as he watched protesters practice shooting arrows at Baptist University (BU).

'We have nothing, only masks and the police have guns. We're only trying to defend ourselves.'

Another protester said he had begun to throw bricks after seeing police attack demonstrators.

'We try every peaceful means but we fail,' said Chris, 19, a student from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

'We would probably throw petrol bombs and bricks because we don't want our friends to be injured,' he said, breaking into tears as he described police crackdowns.

'I'm willing to die for Hong Kong.'

Clashes: A riot police officer with a baton scuffles with a protester in the Central business district of Hong Kong yesterday

Clashes: A riot police officer with a baton scuffles with a protester in the Central business district of Hong Kong yesterday

On guard: A squad of police officers wearing helmets and wielding batons detain a man as they try to keep order yesterday

On guard: A squad of police officers wearing helmets and wielding batons detain a man as they try to keep order yesterday

Injured: An anti-government protester with a bandaged face is held down by a riot police officer with a shield yesterday

Injured: An anti-government protester with a bandaged face is held down by a riot police officer with a shield yesterday

Aflame: A man with a hose tries to extinguish a burning Christmas tree in the Festival Walk shopping mall yesterday

Aflame: A man with a hose tries to extinguish a burning Christmas tree in the Festival Walk shopping mall yesterday

Protesters have fortified parts of the campuses of Polytechnic University and University of Hong Kong (HKU), in addition to CUHK, BU, and City University. 

For the first time, protesters have been arming themselves with bows and arrows looted from university sports offices. Police said flaming arrows, a signal flare, and even electric saws had been wielded against officers.

On Thursday, police said protesters dropped flower pots and fired several arrows at officers near Polytechnic University. There were no casualties.

Protesters could be jailed for two years for assaulting a police officer, while 'wounding with intent' could mean life, police said.

The city education secretary chided university authorities over 'riotous acts' on campuses. HKU President Xiang Zhang called on students not to provoke the police into entering the campus.

'If there are any who are planning to do anything with serious consequences, such as actions likely to injure people, I appeal to them NOT to,' he said.

Demonstrators are angry about what they see as police brutality and meddling by Beijing in the freedoms guaranteed under a 'one country, two systems' formula introduced when the territory returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Violence: An anti-government protester is struck in the head as he is being detained by riot police officers

Violence: An anti-government protester is struck in the head as he is being detained by riot police officers

Engulfed: A Hong Kong metro train near the Chinese University of Hong Kong burns after it was set on fire by protesters

Engulfed: A Hong Kong metro train near the Chinese University of Hong Kong burns after it was set on fire by protesters

Stopped: Riot police officers detain a protester during an anti-government demonstration in the Central district of Hong Kong

Stopped: Riot police officers detain a protester during an anti-government demonstration in the Central district of Hong Kong

China denies interfering and has blamed Western countries for stirring up trouble.

Police deny using excessive force but have unleashed unprecedented amounts of tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, and water cannons.

In a possible preview of tactics to come, police used an armoured truck with officers firing less-than-lethal rounds to break up a barricade in the business district on Wednesday.

CUHK had become a 'battlefield for criminals and rioters', a police spokesman said.

'Where did all these petrol bombs and weapons come from?' spokesman Tse Chun-chung asked reporters. 'We have strong suspicion that the school was used as a weapon factory.' 

One on one: A masked riot police officer wields a baton at a protester using a makeshift shield to defend himself

One on one: A masked riot police officer wields a baton at a protester using a makeshift shield to defend himself 

Launched: A protester aims a bow and arrow on the campus of City University, while other demonstrators wearing masks look on as the pro-democracy movement assembles on university campuses

Launched: A protester aims a bow and arrow on the campus of City University, while other demonstrators wearing masks look on as the pro-democracy movement assembles on university campuses

Burning: Another demonstrator prepares to unleash his flaming weapon as pro-democracy protesters dressed in black - and photographers in high-vis jackets - gather on a university campus on Tuesday night

Burning: Another demonstrator prepares to unleash his flaming weapon as pro-democracy protesters dressed in black - and photographers in high-vis jackets - gather on a university campus on Tuesday night

Prepared: Protesters with helmets, gas masks and various weapons including a baseball bat stand guard on a bridge over the Tolo Highway after they heard police were approaching at the Chinese University of Hong Kong

Prepared: Protesters with helmets, gas masks and various weapons including a baseball bat stand guard on a bridge over the Tolo Highway after they heard police were approaching at the Chinese University of Hong Kong

At City University, the dorm buildings echoed to the sound of protesters pulling up and heaping paving bricks to use as projectiles.

They knocked back cases of drinks then filled the bottles with a mixture of oil and petrol.

Protesters with less experience used plastic bottles to practice throwing.

At one point, the operation got more organised as supplies of food, water and medical equipment were carried in.

'There are a lot of petrol bombs,' said one 16-year-old school student who felt compelled to join the fray.

'It's set to be a good show.'

A sense of purposeful anarchy reigned. Some protesters picked up litter, sorting it for recycling, while here and there a couple waded through the crowd, masked and in black, holding hands.

University officials were nowhere to be seen, except for the residence guards who sat at their desks as protesters appropriated everything in reach.

Occasionally, lookouts would sound the alarm, sparking a flurry of activity and shouts as black-clad figures crouched behind barricades, umbrellas and homemade shields at the ready.

Some anxious international students scurried past, suitcases in hand. Others took photos.

Volunteer medics set a up a first-aid station in a hall.

'I'm not afraid to get hurt, but I'm afraid of being arrested, because it means a loss of freedom,' said 19-year-old student named Thomas, as he strapped on plastic guards on his forearms and shins.

'And freedom is why I'm here.'