At around 6pm today (January 1), rioters spray-painted words on the outer wall of High Court to insult a judge. Police strongly condemn such an unlawful act which defies the spirit of the law. Police will enforce the law impartially and have classified the case as “criminal damage”. Investigation by the District Investigation Team of Central District is underway.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
 
     Around 6pm today (January 1), rioters damaged the traffic lights in the vicinity of Des Voeux Road Central and Pedder Street, Central. They also set road barricades with miscellaneous objects such as traffic cones.
 
     Police warn the protestors to stop the illegal acts.
 

     At around 4pm today (January 1), black-clad masked rioters smashed the glass of a bank on Hennessy Road, Wan Chai and the case is now under investigation by the District Investigation Team of Wan Chai District.
 
     Some online media and social groups have quoted rumour mongers as saying Police officers were responsible. Police strongly rebut such groundless and fabricated allegation and express regret over such rumours which are calculated to discredit Police. It must be re-iterated that the unlawful act was not committed by Police officers and offenders will be brought to justice.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (January 1) that due to special circumstances which happened nearby, Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong Park Sports Centre, Hong Kong Squash Centre and Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Central and Western District are closed; Hong Kong City Hall in the same district will be closed at 6.30pm to ensure the safety of venue users and staff.
     
     Subject to the situation, more cultural and leisure facilities in the same district and any other districts which may be affected will also be closed early and at short notice to ensure the safety of venue users. Members of the public who plan to go to those venues are advised to contact the venues concerned or 1823 in advance.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
 
     At around 5pm today (January 1), rioters threw trash and petrol bombs at Luard Road and Hennessey Road, posing a grave threat to public safety.
      
     Police are deploying the minimum necessary force, including tear gas, to effect dispersal of protestors. Police warn all lawbreakers to stop their unlawful acts immediately.
      
     Police appeal to residents in the vicinity to stay tuned to the latest situation and keep their windows closed if necessary.
      
     The report room services of Wan Chai Police Station are now temporarily suspended. In case of emergency, please call 999.