Rioters continue to use lethal weapons like petrol bombs, bows, arrows, metal balls and bricks to launch attacks on Police officers.
         
     At around 2pm, after a Force Media Liaison Cadre member was struck in the calf by an arrow, at the same time, a metal ball hit an anti-riot Police officer’s visor, right above his nose. The officer was not injured.
      
     Taking control of a platform near Block A of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, rioters continue to launch hard objects and petrol bombs with large catapults at Police officers. The shooting range of such large catapults can reach up to 40 meters. Such attacks pose a grave threat to the safety of Police officers, reporters and first aiders at scene. Also, a large amount of offensive weapons, including flammable fluids, are stored on the campus, jeopardising public safety.
      
     Police warn that the violent activities in the Hong Kong Polytechnic University have escalated to rioting. Anyone who stays behind or assists rioters may be liable to the offence of “Taking Part in a Riot”. Police warn all rioters and their accomplices to stop all illegal acts and leave the campus immediately. Police appeal to reporters covering the riot to mind their own safety and not to obstruct Police action. In face of the deteriorating situation, Police once again appeal to members of the public to avoid going to the vicinity of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
     

     Correctional officers at Tai Lam Centre for Women today (November 17) intercepted a female remand person in custody smuggling suspected dangerous drugs into the centre by concealing it inside her body.

     The 35-year-old person in custody was remanded in the institution for the offence of trafficking in dangerous drugs on November 8. She was suspected to have swallowed suspected dangerous drugs before admission. She was therefore separated and put under close monitoring.

     At 10.15am today, she discharged one pack of a suspected dangerous drug with a weight of 13.5 grams wrapped in plastic. The case has been reported to the Police for follow-up.

     A spokesperson for the Correctional Services Department said, "The department takes every measure to stop the introduction of dangerous drugs or unauthorised articles into correctional institutions in order to maintain good order and discipline and a drug-free environment for all persons in its custody."

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (November 17) that due to special circumstances which happened nearby, Tsim Sha Tsui Public Library, the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Hong Kong Science Museum in Yau Tsim Mong District are closed to ensure the safety of venue users and staff members. The department will closely monitor the situation and announce venue arrangements in a timely manner.
    
     Tennis courts of Shek Kip Mei Park in Sham Shui Po District which were closed earlier are reopened at 3pm.
    
     Also taking into consideration transportation service disruptions and other circumstances which may happen, all LCSD land-based leisure facilities (except the Islands District) will be closed at 9pm today and all public swimming pools including Tung Chung Swimming Pool in the Islands District will be closed by the end of the second sessional break for swimming pools. Other land-based leisure facilities in the Islands District will be closed at 8pm.
    
     Apart from Yau Ma Tei Theatre in Yau Tsim Mong District to be closed at 6pm, other performance venues will be closed after completion of events. All libraries and museums will stay open until normal closing hours.
    
     Subject to the situation, more cultural and leisure facilities in the same districts and any other district 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 visit the LCSD website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/index.html) or contact 1823 in advance.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

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

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 17) that Tuen Mun Swimming Pool in Tuen Mun District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of vomit in the pool.

     It will be reopened at 6.30am tomorrow.

     The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
     ​Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:
 
​     "Although the roads and public transport services in the territory have gradually resumed, there are still uncertain factors currently. The Social Welfare Department announces that for the sake of safety, members of the public are advised not to take their children or family members to child care centres, centres providing after school care programmes, elderly services centres or day rehabilitation units including sheltered workshops, integrated vocational rehabilitation services centres and day activity centres tomorrow (November 18). These centres will, however, remain open to serve those whose families cannot provide alternative care for them. Members of the public who have the need for the services mentioned may contact the service units concerned in advance."