Police are investigating a Police open fire case in Tsing Yi in the small hours of today (November 16).

     At about 4.30am, when police officers were conducting an anti-burglary operation in the vicinity of Kwai Wo Street and Kwai Tak Street, they spotted a suspicious private car stopping at Kwai Wo Street. Two men got off from the vehicle and stole the car plates from another private car. When officers attempted to intercept the men, aged 27 and 43 respectively, they fiercely resisted and the 43-year-old man assaulted police officers with a screwdriver who was then subdued by officers. The 27-year-old man got on the private car and left.

     When officers attempted to intercept the private car, the 27-year-old man tried to knock down a police officer with the vehicle. The officer gave verbal warnings to the man but in vain, and subsequently fired three shots at him. The man was subdued by officers at last. Sustaining shot wounds to his arm and armpit, the man was sent to Princess Margaret Hospital in conscious state.

     The two men were arrested for theft from vehicle and assaulting police officer, and the 27-year-old man was also arrested for furious driving. The two men are being detained for enquiries.

     Investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of New Territories South is underway.

     In the small hours of today (November 16), some rioters set barricades and hurled petrol bombs, suspected corrosive liquids and bricks on Nathan Road, Mong Kok. Police conducted dispersal operation by using tear gas. While Police were preparing for another round of dispersal operation in Portland Street, Police officers requested the reporters at scene to leave and fired one shot of 40mm react round.

     Police are looking into this incident and the officer involved is currently on leave.

     In response to the statements of relevant media organisations, Police reiterate that we fully respect press freedom. Police will maintain close communication with media organisations to enhance mutual understanding.  

     Rioters have blocked various major roads in Hong Kong since November 11, including Tolo Highway and Tai Po Road in the New Territories, Junction Road in Kowloon and Pok Fu Lam Road in Hong Kong Island, causing serious obstructions in various districts. Objects that pose threats to the safety of the public, such as petrol bombs, bamboo sticks and glass fragments, were found on Tai Po Road. To ensure the safety of road users, Police have worked closely with other government departments to clear obstacles and oil stains off the thoroughfare. Traffic gradually resumed in the following thoroughfares:
 

• Tolo Highway: Traffic resumed on both north and south bounds;
• Tai Po Road: Traffic resumed on both north and south bounds;
• Junction Road: Traffic resumed; 
• Pok Fu Lam Road and Bonham Road: Road clearance almost completed, traffic gradually resumed on both north and south bounds; 
• Tong Ming Street and Tong Chun Street in Tseung Kwan O: Traffic resumed; 
• Tai Po Tai Wo Road: Traffic resumed; and
• Kai Leng Roundabout in Sheung Shui: Traffic resumed.

      
     Police will continue to work closely with other government departments to restore traffic in the territory. Police appeal to members of the public not to hurl hard objects or conduct any illegal act that affects road safety. We advise drivers to stay cautious of the road condition when using the thoroughfares.

     To facilitate the commuting of people living and working in Tai Po District, Shatin District and North District, the Government has arranged the following free transportation services today (November 16):

     – Free ferry service between Wu Kai Sha Public Pier and Tai Po Waterfront Park Pier
     – Free coach service between Tai Po Waterfront Park near Dai King Street Roundabouts and Tai Po Market Station (pick-up point at Uptown Plaza)

     To facilitate the users, the above free transportation services will be extended from the original schedule of 7am to 7pm to 8pm today.

     The Government will continue to provide the above free transportation services tomorrow (November 17). The service hours are from 7am to 8pm.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (November 16) that due to special circumstances which have happened nearby, the tennis courts of Shek Kip Mei Park in Sham Shui Po District; and Tsim Sha Tsui Public Library in Yau Tsim Mong District have been closed to ensure the safety of venue users and staff members.

     Also taking into consideration transportation service disruptions and other circumstances which may happen, all LCSD leisure facilities (except the Islands District) will be closed at 9pm today. While Tung Chung Swimming Pool in the Islands District will be closed at 7pm, other leisure facilities in the Islands District will be closed at 8pm.

     Performance venues will be closed after 6pm or completion of events. Hong Kong Central Library will be closed at 8pm. All museums will stay open until normal closing hours.

     Subject to the situation, more cultural and leisure facilities in the same district 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.