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A confrontation and fight among inmates at the Hei Ling Chau Addiction Treatment Centre on Sunday evening developed into a full-scale riot situation in which four CSD officers and a policeman were injured.

At about 7 pm an argument broke out between some Vietnamese inmates and local inmates at the centre, but the situation developed into a fight as other local inmates joined in and began attacking the Vietnamese.

When CSD officers tried to intervene and stop the fight, the local inmates turned on the officers and attacked them. Four CSD officers were injured and had to be taken to Pamela Youde Eastern Hospital by helicopter for treatment.

All local inmates refused to return to their dormitories, whilst the Vietnamese inmates were separated and secured in their accommodation.

The situation deteriorated when gangs of inmates attempted to attack the Vietnamese inmates of the centre. Some 400 inmates scattered in various directions on the island.

When police reinforcements were called in, the inmates set fire to some offices and turned on an LP gas cylinder to barricade the staff and police from approaching them. One policeman was injured and flown by helicopter to Pamela Youde Eastern Hospital for treatment.

A total of seven inmates had minor injuries and were treated in the centre hospital.

Both CSD reinforcements and police PTU reinforcements have been called in to take action to restore order at the centre.

At 11 pm, the situation has been contained. Assistant Commissioner (Operations) Mr Chan Chun-yan has taken command of the situation and five to six CSD and police platoons are on guard on the island.

An update bulletin will be despatched on an hourly basis.

End/Monday, June 5, 2000

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