Security At West Kowloon Beefed Up For March

Security around the West Kowloon express rail station has tightened ahead of expected protests on Sunday afternoon.

Huge water-filled barriers have gone up outside the station and riot police officers are stationed in the area.

Only one entry point is operating and passengers had to show their tickets and travel document before they could enter the station.

Some of them said they didn't know about the arrangement and had to walk at least 20 minutes to find the only entrance to the station.

The MTR Corporation said its Austin and Tsim Sha Tsui stations would be closed from midday. It said it made the decision in the interests of the safety of passengers and staff.

The MTR said earlier that all train services, except for the Airport Express, will end again at 10 pm to allow more time for repairs, following vandalism at its stations by anti-government protesters over the past few weeks.

The rail operator said it had made the decision following a risk assessment and after liaising with government departments. The Airport Express will run as normal until 1 pm.

Thereafter, it will only run between Hong Kong Station and the Airport.

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