Global Financial Market Review

The police commissioner, Stephen Lo, has defended the firing of tear gas, rubber bullets and bean bag rounds against protesters, calling it a "riot" situation at Admiralty.

But the top police official brushed aside suggestions that a curfew would be imposed.

In a press briefing shortly after officers fired tear gas and guns at protesters, Lo said police had to take action after their defence lines came under attack.

He said if officers had not taken such actions "protesters would have used metal bars to stab our colleagues".

The police chief also accused protesters of engaging in violent behaviour and not allowing those trapped in the area since the morning to leave.

When asked if the police would ask the People's Liberation Army for help, Lo said "definitely not, at this stage".

The top police officer said he's confident his officers are capable of containing the situation.

Lo called the situation in Admiralty "dangerous" and "chaotic" and said people should not enter the area.