A heavy police response has stifled Halloween celebrations in Shanghai, in what many have viewed as an attempt by authorities to crack down on large public gatherings and freedom of expression. According to the BBC police dispersed crowds of costumed revelers on the streets, while photos of apparent arrests have spread on social media. Rumours of a possible crackdown on Halloween celebrations began circulating online earlier this month. It comes a year after Halloween revelers in Shanghai went viral for donning costumes poking fun at the Chinese government and its policies.