A sea of umbrellas in Hong Kong

Photo: AP

Hong Kong protesters put on their biggest show of force ever on Sunday in a mammoth demonstration which activists claim saw 1.7 million people - a full quarter of the city's population - take to the streets. (dailymail report)

A stream of umbrellas snaked through the city as pro-democracy activists defied police orders to stay within the confines of Victoria Park, and instead marched to demand political reforms to keep them free of Chinese control.

Escalating tensions in the former British colony boiled over last week when authorities clashed with protesters in the territory's airport, which plunged into chaos.

But - in the face of increasing anger over excessive police violence and Chinese threats - the rally concluded peacefully and without reports of any flare-ups.

Photo: AP

Riot officers, who previously used batons and tear gas to squash protests, kept a low profile and were not deployed in the park.

Organizers said at least 1.7 million people turned out for the demonstration, marking the 11th consecutive weekend of public protests. Police have yet to release their estimates, which are generally much lower.

Sensational aerial photographs show the park awash with colorful umbrellas - the rallying symbol of the mass movement which evolved from uprisings in 2014.

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