'Raptors' Charge Sends Protesters Fleeing In TST

Scores of protesters who surrounded the Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station and occupied Nathan Road on Sunday night were chased away after the force unleashed volley after volley of tear gas, and sent out elite police officers from the Special Tactical Squad to overwhelm the demonstrators.

RTHK reporters at the scene say at least ten protesters were subdued by the elite officers, commonly called ‘raptors’ after they charged into the group of protesters who had been throwing burning objects into the station.

A number of people were also injured in the clearance operation, by the Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard in the busy shopping area. One woman was left bleeding heavily from the face. Reports from the scene suggest she may have hit by a projectile fire from within the station. Paramedics arrived quickly to give her first aid at the scene before taking her to hospital.

Protesters were initially undaunted by the tear gas. Even with the entire area thick with smoke, they nonchalantly responded by throwing the canisters right back into the station.

But protesters had no answer to the charge from the elite officers. Most quickly ran away, with many retreating to nearby MTR stations.

The operation came soon after police released a statement demanding everyone near the police station to leave immediately. Officers also warned nearby residents to keep their windows closed and stay in a safe area.

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