There have been violent scenes in Hong Kong as protesters again took to the streets to coincide with China's National Day.
A teenager is one of two people who were critically injured during clashes with police.
The 18-year-old was shot by police at close range, with a spokeswoman claiming the officer had fired because he feared for his life.
She said the protester was hit on the left side of his chest with a single pistol shot. Videos on social media appeared to show an officer firing on a protester carrying what looked like a metal rod.
There were no details given about the second critical case.
National Day
While China itself marked the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic with a massive military parade in Beijing, Hong Kong today was again braced for mass demonstrations.
Police said there has been rioting in the Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and the New Territories areas of the city throughout the afternoon and evening - and urged locals to stay 'in safe places and avoid going outside'.
In comments translated by South China Morning Post, senior superintendent Yolanda Yu Hoi-kwan said the force was "saddened" that the young protester was injured.
She said: "As an officer felt his life was under serious threat, he fired a round at the assailant to save his own life and his colleagues’ lives.
"The police force really did not want to see anyone being injured, so we feel very sad about this. We warn rioters to stop breaking the law immediately, as we will strictly enforce the law."
The protester has been taken to hospital with injuries to his chest, near his left shoulder.
Live fire is a rare event despite the months of protests, and a demonstrator being shot represents a significant development after months of major demonstrations.
Protests
Anti-government and pro-democracy rallies - now into their 16th week - escalated on Tuesday afternoon local time, with thousands of activists defying an order banning planned demonstrations.
Local media reports clashes between police and protesters, with officers firing tear gas and water cannon coloured with blue dye in some areas.
Police fire tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)Hospital officials told local media 15 people have been hospitalised today, including one in a critical condition.
As well as a major march from Causeway Bay, protesters have gathered in several other locations around Hong Kong - with thousands raising their umbrellas, in what has become the defining symbol of activists in the city.
Images from the city today show a number of fires started on city streets, as well as some stores being vandalised.
The mass protests initially began over a controversial extradition bill, which would have allowed suspects to be sent to mainland China.
While Hong Kong authorities have announced plans to withdraw the bill, hundreds of thousands of people have continued to take to the streets.
Their demands include free elections in the territory, as well as an independent investigation into police handling of the protests.
