Smaller groups turned up yesterday to rampage across northern Hong Kong, in a sign that the new face mask ban may have divided the peaceful protesters amid ramped-up police action, although some analysts say the shrinking number may be temporary.

Hundreds of demonstrators, many in face masks, turned up in at least nine districts, mainly in Kowloon and New Territories, including Tai Po, Sha Tin, Kwun Tong and Tsuen Wan, as well as Hong Kong Island's Tai Koo. Several arrests were made.