Don't Take Anger Out On Police, Pleads John Lee

Security Secretary John Lee has urged extradition bill protesters not to take their anger out on police officers, a day after thousands laid siege to the force's headquarters for the second time in a week.

Lee spoke to reporters along with Police Commissioner Stephen Lo, who complained that demonstrators had provoked officers and had targeted them with laser pointers.

The security minister said while protesters have a right to express themselves, they went too far on Wednesday night.

He said when police officers come off duty, they are also regular members of society, and they shouldn't be targeted by protesters.

"Hong Kong is the home of each one of us. We all want to make it better," he said

Lee added that in future, the administration will seriously take into account public opinions and sentiments, particularly those of young people, when it makes proposals in various areas.

The crowd which surrounded police headquarters on Wednesday night chanted slogans, including "Hong Kong police knowingly break the law", as they demanded the force be held accountable for violence on June 12, when protesters were hit by tear gas and rubber bullets.

As well as the complete withdrawal of the extradition bill, protesters also want an independent inquiry into the violent clashes. Lee once again insisted that the matter can be dealt with adequately by the police's internal complaints unit.

The police said one person was arrested on Wednesday night, on suspicion of assaulting an officer, while the names of 60 other protesters were recorded over suspected criminal damage.