Clashes, Tear Gas In Tai Wai After Protest

Clashes erupted between protesters and police at Tai Wai after some protesters suddenly appeared at the scene and set up road blocks at Mei Tin Road near the MTR station.

Some pictures circulating on the social media seemed to show some of the protesters had headed there after participating in a rally held at Tai Po.

The demonstrators built roadblocks using iron railings, water barriers and other odd objects.

An RTHK reporter at the scene said a large group of protesters are at the roundabout of Mei Tin Road and Che Kung Miu Road.

After about 45 minutes, most started retreating from the roundabout, saying they’re targeting the cross harbour tunnel. But a larger group remained on the scene, continuing to man the barriers.

The armed police arrived at the scene and warned the protesters to leave the area. But as the protesters continued to block the road, police raised the black flag, warning them of tear gas.

Minutes later a volley of canisters were fired at them, filling the area with smoke and tear gas. The protesters abandoned the broad block and fled.

But the tear gas angered a group of people living in this area, some of who shouted at the police that the area is a residential and accusing the officers of firing tear gas indiscriminately.

As the protesters abandoned the road block and moved away, police headed into Hung Mui Kuk road and then stationed themselves at Che Kung Miu Road for a while before leaving.

But some angry residents continued shouting at them as the officers left the scene.

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