Footage shows the chaotic scenes in Hong Kong yesterday (July 1) after the controversial National Security Law was passed, eroding the freedoms given to the country by Britain.

Police and protesters were locked in a violent clash in Causeway Bay resulting in mass arrests. At least 370 people were arrested including a 15-year-old girl, while seven officers were injured, according to the police force.

Riot police used pepper sprays and water cannons to disperse the crowd. They were also later seen firing tear gas and rubber bullets.

The controversial law sparked fears that it would be a threat to freedom's bestowed on Hong Kong by Britain's Queen Victoria, who liberated the country from mainland China. Boris Johnson responded by offering refuge to three Hong Kong residents.

China's authoritarian legislation criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign powers. People could face a life sentence if convicted of such crimes.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the law is crucial to ending violence that has unfolded in recent months.

She said: "The national security law is the most important development in securing ties between China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region since the handover."