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A large number of protesters gathered on Sai Yeung Choi Street South and Shantung Street from last night (November 29) to the small hours of today (November 30) and they later went to Soy Street, Sai Yee Street, Nelson Street, Dundas Street, Fa Yuen Street and even as far as to the Tsim Sha Tsui area. They crossed the roads slowly by excuses such as shopping, waiting for buses, picking up dropped money and the like with the intent to block the roads and other road users; and disturbed the normal operation of the shops nearby. Some troublemakers even threw miscellaneous items and placed wooden planks and rubbish bins onto the carriageways. Police had made repeated public announcements to urge them to leave but they refused to comply. Police had to take appropriate actions to maintain public order and safeguard public safety.
During the operation, Police arrested seven men and two women, aged between 15 and 56, for offences including "Possession of Offensive Weapon", "Theft", and "Taking Conveyance Without Authority".
Police appealed to protesters not to block roads and endanger public order and condemned the irresponsible acts of the protesters which disregarded the safety of road users. Police reiterate that resolute enforcement actions will be taken to preserve public order and safeguard public safety.
Members of the public are advised that when Police officers are executing duties, they should not gather around as onlookers and should maintain a safe distance from Police officers, particularly when they position themselves between Police officers and radical protesters, or within close range from them, so as to avoid injuries as a result of the confrontations.
Ends/Sunday, November 30, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:34
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