Police strongly condemn organised vandalistic acts by violent protestors
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Since 2pm yesterday, radical protestors gathered in multiple locations across the territories, including Kowloon Tong, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin, Tuen Mun ,Tseung Kwan O, Tai Po and Mong Kok. Protestors vandalised shops and facilities in several malls, causing breach of the peace. They stormed a restaurant near Sha Tin Town Hall and blocked exits of a mall in Sha Tin, neglecting safety of members of the public at scene and their rights to use public facilities. Protestors also vandalised facilities of Sha Tin MTR Station, posing danger to the railway safety.
Since there was crime committed in various malls, Police have the responsibility and legal power to enter the malls for investigation and arrest actions. At around 4.30pm, some violent protestors recklessly damaged shops in Kowloon Tong Festival Walk. To stop the crime, some plainclothes Police officers attended scene and arrested several offenders. During the arrest, a large group of protestors were clamouring, some even attacked police officers and attempted to snatch away the arrested person. Police officers therefore used minimum necessary force to conduct the arrest action.
At night, some protestors occupied roads in various locations including Tuen Mun, Mong Kok and Tsuen Wan by setting barriers and burning miscellaneous objects, paralysing the traffic in the vicinity. Police used minimum necessary force to disperse.
In the dispersal operation yesterday, Police deployed the specialised crowd management vehicles and used tear gases to stop the illegal acts of the protestors. As at 11.30pm yesterday (November 10), 88 persons were arrested for offences of unlawful assembly, possession of offensive weapon, criminal damage, and using facial covering while at an unlawful assembly, etc.
Police strongly condemn rioters' violent and vandalistic acts. Police reiterate that no violent behaviour will be tolerated. Police will continue to take resolute enforcement action so as to safeguard the city’s public safety and bring all lawbreakers to justice.
Ends/Monday, November 11, 2019
Issued at HKT 1:10
Issued at HKT 1:10
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