Anti-China demos: Hong Kong protester shot in chest | Ghanti Bajao

 An 18-year-old Hongkonger is in a critical condition in hospital after being shot in the chest at close range with a live round by the police on Tuesday, as the Asian financial hub was convulsed by unprecedented chaos on a day when communist China celebrated its 70th birthday.

At least 31 people, including the teenage student with a gunshot wound, were admitted to hospitals with injuries, according to the Hong Kong Hospital Authority.

The young man's injury marked the first time a protester was injured from a live round since the anti-government demonstration movement erupted in the semiautonomous Chinese city in early June.

The incident, which sent shockwaves through Hong Kong, occurred in the residential area of Tsuen Wan.

TV footage captured by the local media showed a group of police officers clashing with a group of umbrella-wielding black-clad protesters. While the latter hurled objects such as bricks at the police, one officer aimed his gun at the protesters - apparently being just two metres away - and fired a live round.