Six Remain In Hospital, One In Serious Condition

Six people remain in hospital as a result of the violent clashes between anti-government protesters and police officers on Sunday.

One of them was still in a serious condition, according to hospital officials.

A total of 28 people were hurt during the chaos in Sha Tin's New Town Plaza when police closed in on protesters.

Police said 13 officers were hurt, including one who had part of his finger bitten off.

The chief superintendent of the Police Public Relations Branch, John Tse, said overnight that three of those still in hospital had complicated problems. He said an officer who lost part of his finger had undergone surgery to reattach the bit that was allegedly bitten off.

Forty-seven people have been arrested over the clashes on Sunday, on suspicion of offences including unlawful assembly and assaulting police officers.

Meanwhile the controversy over the police decision to swarm into New Town Plaza simmered on, with claims officers had cornered the protesters and left them with no route to leave the mall.

In an overnight statement, the police said the officers were forced to enter the mall after 9pm as "some violent protesters hurled bricks, umbrellas and helmets" at them, posing a serious threat to the officers' safety.

"Police officers entered the arcades and their platforms to stop their violent behaviour," the statement said.