Hong Kong police say the city is on the “brink of total collapse” after this week’s violent escalation in anti-government demonstrations.

Six months of political unrest – triggered by an extradition bill but now a protest against police behaviour – has resulted in deaths, hundreds of injuries and thousands of arrests.

It has also paralysed the city.

Central News’ Melanie Wong has spent the past week in Hong Kong.

She’s discovered that away from the globally covered CBD riots and university battlegrounds, streets and shopping centres are deserted and locals are just trying to get on with their lives.

– Video and photos, Melanie Wong @m_wong182