Police remind members of the public to be cautious when participating in public procession

Police appeal to members of the public to consider seriously whether to take part in a public procession on Hong Kong Island this afternoon (July 1). Police remind those who choose to participate to take extreme care.

At about 4am today, a large number of protestors dashed onto Lung Wo Road, Tim Mei Avenue and Harcourt Road in Admiralty. They blocked the roads and obstructed traffic with mills barriers and sundries. At the same time, some protestors stole iron poles and bricks from nearby construction site and guard rails from nearby roads. Some protestors also pried up bricks on Lung Wo Road and transported them towards Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. At about 7.30 am, protestors charged Police cordon lines by hurling objects including mills barriers and sundries. Police decided to take action to disperse the protestors.

At about 9.30am, some protestors hurled objects containing unknown liquid at police officers. Police officers at scene were injured and among them, some experienced difficulty in breathing and had swollen skin. Thirteen officers were discharged form hospital after receiving treatment. The case was taken up by the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau for investigation. Police strongly condemn such illegal acts and will stringently follow up.

At around 1pm, some protestors started storming the Legislative Council Complex, posing serious threat to public safety and public order.

Police absolutely respect people’s freedom of assembly, procession and expression of opinion in a peaceful and orderly manner. However, Police’s risk assessment indicates that there is a serious safety threat in Admiralty and Wan Chai and thus advise members of the public to carefully consider whether to join the public procession on Hong Kong Island this afternoon. Police remind those who opt to take part, especially who will bring along young and elderly family members, to take extreme care.