Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Yellow fire danger warning

     The fire danger situation today (November 17) is yellow and the risk of fire is high. People are urged to prevent fires breaking out and hikers should also be vigilant.
 

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
     Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:
 
     "The Social Welfare Department announces that due to the anticipated unstable traffic and unforeseeable conditions, members of the public are advised not to take their children or family members to centres providing after school care programmes and elderly services centres today (November 17). Members of the public who have a need for the services mentioned may contact the service units concerned and confirm their operation hours in advance."

     Rioters blocked roads and caused extensive damages in various districts in recent days, severely affecting people's daily lives.  Members of the public and various Government departments worked together today (November 16) to clear a number of blocked roads.  Relevant Government departments also spared no effort in repairing damaged facilities and arranged alternative services for the public to restore operation in society.
 
     Today many members of the public came out at their own initiative to clear barricades set up by protesters in various districts, facilitating the reopening of many blocked roads.  Their heart touching actions show their love for Hong Kong and inject positive energy into the society.  However, there were rioters who attacked members of the public as well as hurled petrol bombs and hard objects, leading to some injuries.  The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government appeals to members of the public to be careful, and strongly condemns the dangerous acts of the rioters.
 
     Apart from the initiative of the members of the public, the Police, Fire Services Department, Transport Department, Highways Department, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Civil Aid Service, etc had worked together starting from morning to clear the roads and coordinate with other parties.  Their efforts led to the reopening of various roads, including Tolo Highway, Tai Po Road, Junction Road, Pok Fu Lam Road, Bonham Road, Tong Ming Street and Tong Chun Street in Tseung Kwan O, Tai Po Tai Wo Road, and Kai Leng Roundabout in Sheung Shui.  In particular, the Tolo Highway, which is essential to people living in the northern and eastern parts of the New Territories, has been reopened since noon.  As rioters hurled petrol bombs and various objects onto the Highway from the No.2 Bridge next to the Chinese University of Hong Kong which led to the Highway's closure, relevant Government departments will commence works tonight to close the Bridge temporarily so as to keep the Highway clear and ensure the safety of the road users.
 
     In addition, to facilitate the commuting of people living and working in Tai Po District, Shatin District and North District, today the Government continues to provide free ferry service between Wu Kai Sha Public Pier and Tai Po Waterfront Park Pier, and free coach service between Tai Po Waterfront Park near Dai King Street Roundabouts and Tai Po Market Station.  Although the Tolo Highway has been reopened, the Government will continue to provide the above free transportation services tomorrow and on Monday for the convenience of the public.
 
     Rioters attacked users of the Hung Hom Cross Harbour Tunnel, set fires to the toll booths and vandalised the Administration Building.  As rioters are still assembling nearby and the traffic management system has been damaged, the tunnel cannot be opened soon.  Relevant Government departments and the tunnel operator will assess the extent of the damage to the system and draw up a repair plan once the safety of the working staff can be guaranteed.  
 
     Individual MTR stations have been vandalised by rioters and are out of service, with the University station severely damaged.  Rioters also hurled petrol bombs at MTR facilities.  Relevant Government departments will liaise closely with MTR and make suitable arrangements in accordance with the actual situation.

                        

     Police are investigating a Police open fire case in Tsing Yi in the small hours of today (November 16).

     At about 4.30am, when police officers were conducting an anti-burglary operation in the vicinity of Kwai Wo Street and Kwai Tak Street, they spotted a suspicious private car stopping at Kwai Wo Street. Two men got off from the vehicle and stole the car plates from another private car. When officers attempted to intercept the men, aged 27 and 43 respectively, they fiercely resisted and the 43-year-old man assaulted police officers with a screwdriver who was then subdued by officers. The 27-year-old man got on the private car and left.

     When officers attempted to intercept the private car, the 27-year-old man tried to knock down a police officer with the vehicle. The officer gave verbal warnings to the man but in vain, and subsequently fired three shots at him. The man was subdued by officers at last. Sustaining shot wounds to his arm and armpit, the man was sent to Princess Margaret Hospital in conscious state.

     The two men were arrested for theft from vehicle and assaulting police officer, and the 27-year-old man was also arrested for furious driving. The two men are being detained for enquiries.

     Investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of New Territories South is underway.

     In the small hours of today (November 16), some rioters set barricades and hurled petrol bombs, suspected corrosive liquids and bricks on Nathan Road, Mong Kok. Police conducted dispersal operation by using tear gas. While Police were preparing for another round of dispersal operation in Portland Street, Police officers requested the reporters at scene to leave and fired one shot of 40mm react round.

     Police are looking into this incident and the officer involved is currently on leave.

     In response to the statements of relevant media organisations, Police reiterate that we fully respect press freedom. Police will maintain close communication with media organisations to enhance mutual understanding.