13 Police Injured After Being Splashed With Toxin

Police Commissioner Stephen Lo said 13 police officers were taken to hospital on Monday, after some protesters splashed an unknown liquid onto them during chaotic scenes around the Legislative Council complex.

Lo, at an early morning press conference at police headquarters alongside Chief Executive Carrie Lam, said the officers reported difficulty breathing and had rashes on their skin.

Two other policemen were also taken to hospital after they inhaled toxic smoke thrown by protesters. Firemen checked the chemical and found a toxic substance, P-phenylenediamine, which is commonly found in hair dye.

The Fire Services Department said prolonged exposure to the chemical may cause itchy eyes, skin redness and swelling, and shortness of breath. Inhaling large amounts of the chemical may also cause serious skin and respiratory tract burns.