The demonstrators retaliated with a barrage of bottles and bamboo poles Tear gas and pepper spray was fired to disperse protesters HONG KONG: Riot police and protesters clashed Saturday afternoon as a stand-off outside a police station descended into violence. Officers charged with batons out, detaining at least one protester. The demonstrators retaliated with a barrage of bottles and bamboo poles, as tear gas and pepper spray was fired to disperse them.