Hong Kong police said on Monday that a total of 1,453 people, aged between 12 and 72, have been arrested in violent protests in Hong Kong since June 9.
Tse Chun-chung, chief superintendent of Hong Kong Police Public Relations Branch, said at a press briefing on Monday that a large number of rioters ignored the police's objection and assembled illegally in Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and North Point in Hong Kong Island on Sunday.
The rioters blocked roads recklessly, leading to a traffic gridlock, and some of them even burnt a national flag and committed other severe behaviors, disturbing public orders, Tse said, adding that the rioters also blocked many metro stations and set fire at the exits, posing serious threats to the safety of the public.
At around 5:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, rioters started to throw bricks and hard objects into different government buildings. "They threw over 80 petrol bombs at civilians, police officers and public properties. Even the specialized crowd management vehicle was set on fire," Tse said.
On Sunday afternoon, two police officers in Wan Chai came under attack of petrol bombs thrown by around 20 rioters. The two decisively held up their revolvers to protect themselves. Tse stressed that the acts of the officers was justified and effective in dispersing the rioters.
Apart from extensive road blockage and mass destruction of government properties and public facilities, many rioters harshly assaulted people who were not on their side. After beating up innocent people, the rioters obstructed the ambulance staff to treat the injured, he added.
"The rioters certainly had no consideration for the livelihood of ordinary citizens. The police strongly condemn all acts of violence and we will definitely bring all offenders to justice," Tse said.
