Police arrest triad gang members in Hong Kong clashes

 Hong Kong police have arrested several people with suspected links to the city's notorious "triad" criminal gangs after a series of attacks on pro-democracy protesters, officials said early Saturday, AFP reports.

Police made a total of 19 arrests over the clashes, with at least eight of those detained believed to have triad backgrounds, a police press conference heard.

After days of peaceful demonstrations, ugly scenes broke out Friday at protest camps, sparking speculation that paid thugs had been sent by authorities to stir up trouble, with the aim of discrediting protesters.

Police denied acting in concert with triads, the press briefing heard.

Violence in several Hong Kong districts left at least 12 people injured including six police, according to authorities, while several women said they had been sexually assaulted.