In response to the violent acts in Sheung Wan and Yuen Long yesterday (July 21) evening, a Government spokesman said the following:

     Following the storming of the CPGLO building, some radical protesters initiated a series of violent acts in Sheung Wan area, despite repeated warnings by the Police. These outrageous, violent acts included hurling petrol bombs, setting fires and throwing bricks. Thoroughfares were also blocked.

     Meanwhile in Yuen Long, some people congregated at the platforms of the MTR station and train compartments, attacking commuters. It led to confrontations and injuries.

     This is absolutely unacceptable to Hong Kong as a society that observes the rule of law. The SAR Government strongly condemns any violence and will seriously take enforcement actions.

     In response to some radical protesters' deviation from the procession route, storming of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (CPGLO) and defacing the national emblem after the public procession today (July 21), a Government spokesperson said:

     The CPGLO is one of the offices set up by the Central People's Government in Hong Kong and has constitutional functions.

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government strongly condemns the protesters who blatantly challenged the national sovereignty by maliciously besieging and storming the CPGLO building as well as defacing the national emblem. The HKSAR Government will deal with these acts in a serious manner in accordance with the law.

     The HKSAR Government has always respected the public's expression of their aspirations peacefully. However, a series of incidents occurred recently, including the recurrence of illegal protests after peaceful processions, charging police cordon lines, besieging the Police Headquarters and blocking roads. The police also found illegal storage of dangerous goods and a large number of offensive weapons. The HKSAR Government is concerned that a small number of radicals incited the masses in an organised manner, challenged the rule of law, and even stormed the CPG's office in Hong Kong. Such acts threaten the law and order in the SAR and "one country, two systems". It is totally unacceptable to the society.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     At around 8pm today (July 21) following public announcements, Police embarked on a clearance operation. During which a group of protestors gathered outside the building of the Central Police Station and hurled bricks at it. When Police’s cordon line moved eastward to Sheung Wan area, some protestors hurled bricks, smoke grenades and miscellaneous objects at Police officers. After repeated but futile warnings, Police used tear gas at around 10pm.

     Police appeal to the protestors at scene to stop charging Police cordon lines and leave immediately. Other members of the public and residents nearby should mind their own safety, avoid travelling to that district and stay safe.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     This afternoon (July 21), after the participants of a public procession reached the finishing point in Wan Chai, some proceeded to the Western District, blocking roads, vandalising cars and the outer walls of buildings. In face of the escalating violence, Police will conduct clearance operation starting from the Western District towards the east.

     Police appeal to the members of the public to avoid travelling to the relevant areas. Residents and workers of these areas should mind their personal safety and stay tuned to the latest announcements from Police. The participants of the public procession should take public transport and leave as soon as possible.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

Owing to serious road blockage around Des Voeux Road West in Western Division, the Report Room service in Western Division Police Station has been suspended until further notice. For emergencies, please call 999.