More Than 20 Arrested After Violence And Chaos

The police on Saturday arrested more than 20 people on suspicion of illegal assembly, possession of weapons and assault during protests in Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Wong Tai Sin.

The force said 20 cars parked inside Tsim Sha Tsui police station had been damaged when protesters surrounded the station.

Senior Superintendent Yolanda Yu said protesters had deliberately spread their violent action from Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok to Kowloon East.

She said the force had exercised restraint despite an escalation of violence by protesters who had blocked a number of thoroughfares and the toll plaza of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, and surrounded the police stations in Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok and the disciplinary staff quarters in Wong Tai Sin.

She said the force strongly condemned such acts.

Meanwhile, the government said the illegal acts and road blockages involved in recent protests were getting worse and way beyond the boundary of freedom of expression in a civilised society.

In a statement, it strongly condemned radical protesters who had disregarded law and order, blatantly breached the peace, and even challenged national sovereignty.

It said the police will strictly enforce the law and violent protesters who breached the law would be brought to justice.