Suspected bombs found during weekend protests in Hong Kong: Police

HONG KONG: Suspected bombs were found by police officers on four occasions during the Hong Kong protests on Sunday (Oct 20), authorities said.

More than 100 petrol bombs were thrown by protesters, police said, adding that officers had fired 260 tear gas canisters and 130 rubber bullets. Hospital authorities said 27 people were injured, with three in a serious condition.

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"The police strongly condemn all these lawless and reckless behaviour. No excuse can justify these acts of violence against our own community," Regional Commander of Kowloon West district Cheuk Hau-yip said at a press conference.

The police added that a robot had intentionally detonated a box that was suspected to contain a bomb.

Tens of thousands joined an unauthorised but peaceful afternoon rally on Sunday that quickly descended into chaos as small groups of hardcore protesters threw petrol bombs and rocks at a police station, mainland Chinese businesses and multiple MTR station entrances.

Police responded with water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets in clashes that lasted well into the night.

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The entrance to the city's biggest mosque was painted blue when a police truck fired a water cannon at a handful of people outside.

Video footage shot on Sunday showed the truck pulling up outside the building during confrontations with protesters, pausing and then spraying around half a dozen people who were gathered on the street outside.

The group, who did not appear to be protesters, was struck twice, with much of the bright blue liquid painting the mosque's entrance and steps.

Police released a statement on Sunday saying the mosque was hit by mistake.

"As the vehicle approached Nathan Road outside the Kowloon Mosque, coloured water was used for effecting the dispersal, which accidentally affected the entrance and front gate of the Kowloon Mosque," said the Hong Kong Police Force on Twitter.

"It is most unfortunate that the dispersal operation has caused unintended impact on the Kowloon Mosque," added the police. "Following the incident, the police have immediately contacted the Chief Imam as well as Muslim community leaders to clarify the situation and to show our concern."

As the vehicle approached Nathan Road outside the Kowloon Mosque, coloured water was used for effecting the dispersal, which accidentally affected the entrance and front gate of the Kowloon Mosque.Read More – Source