The masked rioters gathering in Mong Kok built barricades with trash to paralyse traffic in the vicinity of Portland Street at about 10pm yesterday (January 25). In response to the violent acts, Police officers had no alternative but to take resolute enforcement actions to halt the unlawful road blockage. At around 11pm, when Police were preparing to leave after law enforcement actions, some rioters threw glass bottles and miscellaneous objects at a Police vehicle. Police used a tear gas grenade to combat the violence of rioters. At around 11.30pm, some rioters built barricades with wooden boards and roadside trash at the junction of Nathan Road and Shan Tung Street. Police officers swiftly attended the scene to take enforcement actions and to remove the barricades.

     Police always respect people’s freedom and rights to express their views peacefully. Nonetheless, in face of the unlawful road blockage and violent attacks by rioters, officers had no alternative but to respond with minimal and necessary force in order to stop the violence. Police strongly condemn the violent and illegal acts of rioters which endanger the public safety.
 

Ends/Sunday, January 26, 2020
Issued at HKT 11:16

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