The Government today (December 25) severely condemned the masked rioters for taking part in unauthorised assemblies in various districts throughout the territory on Christmas Eve, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Sha Tin and Yuen Long.

     A Government spokesman said rioters damaged traffic lights, set up barricades with umbrellas, blocked roads, vandalised shops in malls, set fires and even attacked police officers. These acts seriously disrupted social order, affected the festive mood and obstructed other people from enjoying the festive season, which are outrageous.

     In Tsim Sha Tsui, there was waving of Hong Kong independence flags. The spokesman said that advocating Hong Kong independence is inconsistent with the constitutional and legal status of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as stipulated in the Basic Law and is not conducive to the overall and long-term interest of Hong Kong society. It is also contrary to the established basic policies of the People's Republic of China regarding Hong Kong.

     The spokesman added that in face of rioters' behaviour, the Police must enforce the law strictly and resolutely, and arrest those who break the law in order to protect the safety of the general public.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
 
     Around 10.45pm yesterday (December 24), some masked rioters set fire to the entrance of Mong Kok MTR station. Some of them poured flammable liquid to fan the flames. Earlier last night, some rioters blocked roads in the vicinity of Argyle Street and Portland Street in Mong Kok. Rioters also stormed and vandalised shops in Langham Place. Police warn the rioters to stop all acts of arson and vandalism immediately. Otherwise, Police will deploy minimum force necessary to effect dispersal and arrest.
 

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
 
     Rioters occupied Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui and set barricades on Haiphong Road.  Police have repeatedly deployed Specialised Crowd Management Vehicles (SCMV) along Nathan Road to disperse rioters, yet some of them refused to leave. Around 11pm, rioters threw petrol bombs at Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station, posing a serious threat to the safety of the public and police officers at scene. Police warn the rioters to stop their illegal acts. Members of the public and drivers are advised to avoid travelling to the area and stay tuned to the latest traffic arrangement.
      
     Due to safety reasons, Report Room services of the Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station are temporarily suspended. In case of emergency, please call 999.
      
 

     Police today (December 24) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Mong Kok.
           
     Ng Hang-yin, aged 45, went missing after she left her residence on Shanghai Street on December 17 noon. Her family made a report to Police yesterday (December 23)

     She is about 1.5 metres tall, 45 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a pointed face with yellow complexion and short black hair. She was last seen wearing a red and white shirt, a black jacket and white sports shoes.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8037 or 9020 6542 or email to rmpu-kw@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

  

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
 
     Since 9pm, a large group of rioters have been occupying Nathan Road and Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. They have also set barricades, damaged traffic lights and dug up bricks, seriously paralysing the traffic. Police warn all rioters that they are committing the offence of “participating in an unauthorized assembly”. In the face of the situation, Police will deploy minimum necessary force to effect dispersal and arrest.