'Misunderstanding' Led Police To Clash With Fireman

The police and the fire service have said a "misunderstanding" was to blame for a clash between riot officers and a firefighter in Central on Saturday night.

A video, widely circulated online, showed a group of police officers pushing and shoving a lone fireman after a tear gas canister struck a fire truck during a clearance operation on a day of widespread clashes between police and protesters.

In a joint statement on Sunday morning, the police and the Fire Services Department said they "had communicated on the incident and explained to each other on the working situation of their front-line officers.

"Both sides also expressed mutual understanding and respect for each other's work and will continue to work together in the future to stamp out violence."

According to the statement, a fire engine arrived at exit C of the Central MTR Station a about 6.15pm and the driver remained with his vehicle while the rest of the crew tackled the blaze.

Police deployed tear gas at about 7.30pm to clear a group who refused to leave as officers advanced close to Connaught Road Central.

"The fire appliance was accidentally hit by a tear gas round," according to the statement. "The fireman was affected by the tear gas spread through the cabin.

"He subsequently got off the fire truck to express his dissatisfaction to police officers who were performing duties near the fire engine. There was misunderstanding in the verbal communication between both sides. The matter was tackled and resolved at the scene after further communication."