Happy To Explain Our Work To Lawmakers: Police

Police have rejected criticism by some legislators about the way they dealt with protesters in Mong Kok on Sunday night, and hit back at them saying it was pro-democracy lawmakers who had been hindering their work.

The force says individual legislators have repeatedly got in between officers and demonstrators at recent protests, obstructing clearance operations and putting everyone involved at risk.

Opposition lawmakers Jeremy Tam, Au Nok-hin, Roy Kwong and Ted Hui were seen arguing with the police officers with their tactics during the late night operation when protesters occupied some roads in Mong Kok.

A police spokesman said that officers are happy to explain their work to lawmakers, but not when they're trying to disperse protesters from the streets.

He added that the force respects press freedom and will do its best to help journalists carry out their duties, as long as their reporting doesn't affect police work.

The statement comes after lawmakers and journalists criticised officers of obstructing media coverage of the protest, as well as verbally and physically assaulting some members of the press.