Police Push Back Kowloon Protesters With Tear Gas

The area around the Sham Shui Po police station once again turned to a battleground on Sunday afternoon as scores of anti-riot police fire volleys of tear gas at brick-throwing anti-government demonstrators who had again besieged the station.

Officers swiftly moved in to confront protesters after firing the tear gas. An RTHK reporter on the scene witnessed at least three people being subdued and arrested as a result of this quick-charge tactic.

However, most of the protesters were undeterred, pulling back only to regroup a short distance away.

They have set up makeshift barricades outside the Sham Shui Po police station, and a standoff continues.

Plastic barriers had earlier been erected around the station, in an apparent attempt to shield it from bricks and other projectiles thrown by protesters, while an armoured vehicle was seen parked inside.

Tear-gas was also used against another group of protesters outside the Cheung Sha Wan police station just before 6pm.

The protesters had earlier taken part in a rally at Maple Street Playground despite not getting police permission to hold a demonstration there.

They then split off into two groups and headed towards the two police stations.

Many of those who turned up say they were angry over the arrest of student leader Keith Fong on Tuesday for purchasing 10 laser pointers – which the police deemed as offensive weapons.

Fong was later freed without charge, and prompted a backlash among demonstrators who thought his arrest was unwarranted.

One participant called the arrest “ridiculous”, while another insisted that the protesters have a right to come out even though police had not given permission,

“It is actually the oppression of the government and police which caused so many people to go out even though it is not legal”, she said.