Police Officer Stabbed Outside Sogo, Suspect Dies

A policeman was stabbed outside the Sogo department store in Causeway Bay at about 10 pm on Thursday evening and the suspect died in hospital about an hour later.

Police confirmed the alleged attack on their Facebook page, saying the left side of the officer's back was "seriously wounded" and he was taken to hospital for treatment.

The assailant was arrested at the scene, the force added. Police sources said the assailant had also stabbed himself after the attack. He too was taken to hospital.

The Hospital Authority said the suspect was pronounced dead at Ruttonjee Hospital at 11:20pm.

Videos circulating on social media showed a man approaching the officer before taking out what appeared to be a knife and stabbing the policeman. Other officers were then seen drawing their guns before subduing the suspect.

After the alleged attack, officers cordoned off the area to carry out an investigation. The Police Commissioner Raymond Siu was also at the scene.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Chief Secretary John Lee both condemned the attack on the police officer, as well as a number of suspected illegal acts that took place yesterday. In a statement, Lam said it was clear those acts were intended to "challenge the Hong Kong SAR's authority."

There had been a heavy police presence in Causeway Bay throughout the day to stamp out any dissent on the 24th anniversary of the handover.

Police earlier said they had arrested at least 19 people across the territory for various offences.

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