Bruised and battered, the Olympic torch arrived back on Chinese soil today, reaching Hong Kong, possibly the last flash point on the flame's path to Beijing. Several foreign Free-Tibet activists have already been deported from the territory after being detained at Hong Kong Airport.

Hong Kong has a history of tolerating peaceful protests and some are expected during the relay on friday, with 3000 police officers on duty to guard the torch.

The Hong Kong Olympic torch route has been announced, although the Hong Kong government has reserved the right to alter the route at the last minute.