Arrest Of Girl Leads To Tension In Tsim Sha Tsui

The arrest of a girl by police in Tsim Sha Tsui led to tense moments as a big crowd surrounded the officers and demanded her release, saying she was not involved in any protests.

The events unfolded soon after police had shot tear gas to gain control of the area after a flash mob of anti-extradition bill protesters appeared at the crowded shopping area.

According to a witness, some police officers ran on to the pavement on Nathan Road and suddenly held the young woman.

The commotion attracted people nearby and many people started shouting at the officers saying she was not a protester.

Within minutes hundreds of people surrounded the police, demanding the release of the girl.

Democratic Party district councillor Ted Hui, who was on the scene, said: "I kept asking for the reasons for the arrest. After an hour I couldn't get an answer.

"Of course it stirred the anger of the crowd in TST. Hundreds of protesters and pedestrians got so angry and were surrounding the police,, asking the police what happened to that girl, why they treated her so violently. They didn't explain, either."

But officers held firm and moved the girl into a van near Park Lane boulevard. She was soon taken away even as the crowd continued to chant slogans like "Triad police".

Later in the evening, at least two more people were taken away.

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