Police Get Water Cannon Trucks Ready For Action

Anti-riot vehicles armed with water cannons are undergoing road tests, and police say they will be ready for duty once the tests have been passed.

At least one of the trucks was seen spraying water inside the Police Tactical Unit headquarters in Fanling, before being driven out onto the streets.

It's widely speculated that the three armoured vehicles, which arrived in Hong Kong last year, could be deployed to rein in protesters as early as this weekend.

Rumours also have it that the police will mix the water with liquid dye in order to allow officers to identify protesters after they are dispersed.

While the police refused to comment on the speculation, citing confidential tactics, it said officers have completed specialised driving, operating and safety training for the "crowd management vehicles".

It added that the trucks will be put to use once the road tests are completed.

Some critics have cautioned against deploying the water trucks in the narrow roads of Hong Kong, saying people might get thrown against metal railings by its jet force, causing serious injuries.