A large group of protestors participated in unlawful assemblies in various districts on Hong Kong Island yesterday (September 15), despite Police’s objection. They blocked roads illegally, hurled petrol bombs at the Central Government Offices and police officers, set fire at multiple locations, attacked others and reporters. Police express severe condemnation against such violent acts which disregarded law and order.

     Police had earlier issued notice of objection against a public event on Hong Kong Island yesterday.  However, a large number of protestors started to protest in Admiralty, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay in the afternoon yesterday. They illegally blocked the roads and paralyzed traffic on Hong Kong Island.  Later, some protestors set fire to miscellaneous objects outside MTR Admiralty and Wan Chai stations and broke the glass of Admiralty Centre with iron poles and hard objects. Some radical protestors used slingshots to hurl bricks and miscellaneous objects towards the Central Government Offices. Some protestors threw petrol bombs which severely threatening the safety of people at scene. Having given repeated warnings but in vain, officers conducted dispersal operations with appropriate force. Tear gas, rubber bullets, 40mm react rounds and specialised crowd management vehicles were deployed to stop the violent acts of the protestors.

     At about 5:45 pm, around 20 radical protestors attacked two police officers and hurled various petrol bombs at them at a short distance near the junction of Gloucester Road and Marsh Road in Wan Chai, seriously threatening the safety of the police officers. The police officers withdrew pistols as a warning to disperse them.  Later, the protestors hurled petrol bombs at police officers outside the MTR Wan Chai Station and outside the Police Headquarters, posing serious danger to people at scene.

     At about 8 pm, some people gathered outside MTR Fortress Hill Station. Some people were holding folding stools and iron hammers and argued with others and fights broke out.  Moreover, in various locations in North Point, attacks and fighting with weapons happened with a number of people injured.  At about 11 pm, Police deployed tear gas to stop the violence.

     Radical protestors escalated their violent acts and have no regard to the laws of Hong Kong.  Police severely condemn such violent acts.  Police will continue to take resolute enforcement actions so as to safeguard the city’s public safety and bring all lawbreakers to justice.
     

Ends/Monday, September 16, 2019
Issued at HKT 2:43

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