Harmony, Restraint Needed After Knife Attack: Govt

The government issued a statement late on Sunday expressing its severe condemnation and deep regret over the “assault incident” in Tai Koo earlier in the evening.

Five people, including the alleged assailant, was injured in a horrific knife attack that also saw district councillor Andrew Chiu getting part of his ear bitten off.

“A Government spokesman appeals to people who hold different views to put aside their differences, stay rational and exercise restraint as well as to embrace harmony and respect diversity. They should abide by the law and not to resort to vigilantism”, the statement said.

The spokesman also severely condemned other attacks and vandalism in Sha Tin, Tuen Mun, Tai Poo, and Tai Koo, “which jeopardised public safety and breached public peace.”

He said “masked rioters” had vandalised MTR stations and targeted shops, prompting a number of affected malls to close early, and “causing chaos and panic in some districts.”

The statement also said police are “required to conduct dispersal operations resolutely, arrest the suspected offenders and strictly enforce the law to restore social order as quickly as possible.”

A police statement issued on Monday morning said the force strongly condemns violent acts, "and will conduct active and thorough investigation with a view to bringing offenders to justice, regardless of their motive and background."

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