In response to the protests on Hong Kong Island yesterday (July 28), a Government spokesman said the following:

     Since yesterday afternoon, some members of the public had been participating in unauthorised assemblies at various locations on Hong Kong Island. Some radical protesters acted violently in parts of Sheung Wan and Western District, including hurling bricks at police officers, committing arson and pushing towards the police cordon line a cart with burning cardboards, threatening the safety of police officers and members of the public. We strongly condemn the radical protesters who disregarded the law and order and violently breached the public peace. We will continue to give full support to the police to strictly enforce the law to stop all violent behaviours with a view to resuming public order as soon as possible.

     In addition, some members of the public occupied the roads in Causeway Bay. They damaged public properties and obstructed traffic with barriers, seriously affecting public services such as buses and trams. We express regret over such behaviours which are illegal and caused inconvenience to members of the public. We once again appeal to members of the public to express views in a peaceful and rational manner and abide by the law.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

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

     Police’s dispersal operation is still ongoing and a large number of protestors are still gathering in Sheung Wan area (July 28). Police officers have proceeded with another round of dispersal operation and are moving their cordon lines from Shun Tak Centre on the west side and Harbour Building on the east side. Also, Police have set cordon lines on the roads on the south side.

     Police appeal to all protestors to immediately leave the area via MTR Sheung Wan Station. Police warn that arrest action will be taken if protestors refuse to leave.
     

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

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

     Police officers are conducting a dispersal operation eastward on Hong Kong Island while some protestors committed arson at various locations. In the vicinity of Western Market in Sheung Wan, some protestors set ablaze a cart with miscellaneous objects and pushed them towards Police cordon line, seriously threatening the safety of everyone at scene. Police condemn the protestors’ escalating violence and appeal to everyone at scene to stay calm.

     Police reiterate that the protestors participating in the unauthorised assembly are breaking the law. Police appeal to the protestors to stop charging Police cordon lines or assaulting Police officers. They should stop all illegal acts and leave the scene immediately.
     
 

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

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

     Since this afternoon (July 28), some protestors have been participating in an unauthorised assembly at various locations on Hong Kong Island. Police are currently conducting a dispersal operation on the main roads in the vicinity of the Western Division Police Station, including Des Voeux Road West and Connaught Road West. Police officers are moving eastward to Central, with tear gas used. Police appeal to protestors at scene to leave immediately and stop charging Police cordon lines.

     Prior to the operation, Police have liaised with the management of the residential buildings in the neighbourhood, and reminded them about the imminent protests and Police's prospective actions for their respective preparation.

     Police now appeal to members of the public to stay tuned to the latest situation, keep windows closed if necessary, stay indoors and avoid travelling to the area concerned.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 28) that due to an incident in the vicinity, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Swimming Pool, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Soccer Pitch, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Basketball Courts and Sheung Wan Sports Centre in Central and Western District have been closed.