************************************************************
People illegally occupying the roads yesterday (October 13) reinforced the barriers with bamboo poles and wooden planks in Queensway, and sealed the barriers with concrete in Causeway Bay. Police and the Fire Services Department (FSD) expressed deep concern over these dangerous actions.
People illegally occupying the roads have caused traffic congestion and chaos in different districts and seriously affected the daily life of people. They refused to take Police's continual advice to clear the barriers blocking the roads as soon as possible. Reinforcing the barriers with bamboo poles, wooden planks and concrete made them more difficult to be removed. It might cause injuries to people and limit the quick access by emergency vehicles.
Police condemned such illegal and irresponsible acts which endangered public safety. To ensure public safety and maintain public order, Police have to take necessary action to remove the barriers at the occupied spots so that traffic can be partially resumed. Police appeal to protestors not to obstruct and charge police officers when they remove the barriers. Otherwise Police do not rule out using the lowest level of force to remove the people causing obstruction or may even take arrest action.
FSD also strongly condemned those who set up the barriers. Even with the use of relatively heavy duty break-in tools, members of FSD will need to take significant time to have the newly reinforced barriers removed before fire appliances and ambulances can pass through, or be properly deployed in case of fire. The current situation has created unnecessary high risks to those buildings located within the barricaded area. In the event of fire or when a sick or seriously injured person requiring immediate medical attention, it may bring serious loss of lives and properties.
Police and FSD are deploying frontline staff to persuade the people at the scene to remove the barriers.
Ends/Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Issued at HKT 11:01
NNNN
