HONG KONG, Nov 10 — Hong Kong protesters suggested they could hold rallies at a several major shopping malls today, a week after similar gatherings resulted in violent clashes with police.

Last weekend, anti-government protesters crowded into a shopping mall when a man slashed people with a knife and bit off part of the ear of a politician.

Several other gatherings are planned for elsewhere in the city, to protest against police behaviour and perceived meddling by Beijing in the politics of the Asian financial hub.

China denies interfering in Hong Kong, but the protests have become the worst political crisis in the former British colony since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Thousands of people gathered last night at a vigil for "martyrs”, after a student died in hospital this week following a high fall.

Though the vigil ended peacefully, many attendees called for revenge after the student’s death from injuries sustained during a protest.

Protesters have also called for a general strike tomorrow and for people to block public transport, although when such calls have been made in the past they have come to nothing.

As they departed yesterday’s vigil, a number of people shouted "strike on Monday” and "see you on Monday”.

Scattered vigils on Friday night descended into chaos as some protesters vandalised metro stations and blocked streets.

Riot police responded with tear gas, pepper spray, and at least one round of live ammunition fired as a warning shot to protesters who had barricaded a street. — Reuters