Hundreds of thousands of people have packed Hong Kong's streets for an annual New Year's Day protest march

At least five people were arrested for criminal damage as hardline, black-clad youths broke off from the main group of marchers.

They attacked banks and ATM machines with spray paint, hammers and Molotov cocktails.

The youths also smashed crossing lights, ripped bricks from pavements and barricaded roads in the central financial district.

Banks and businesses identified with mainland China have been frequent targets of hardcore protesters.

Police used pepper spray, tear gas and a water cannon to drive off the demonstrators.