Hong Kong police ring of steel planned to deter trouble at July 1 commemoration of 26th anniversary of city’s return to Chinese rule
- More than 6,000 officers to be out on the streets on Saturday in wake of spate of stabbings and to deter potential trouble at events
- Elite squads will be out in force, as well as officers from the Police College and uniformed administrative staff
A police insider said the recent spate of knife attacks was one of the reasons for the show of force, as well as the service’s determination that the July 1 events would run smoothly and peace would be maintained.
In addition to the deployment of elite squads such as the force’s counterterrorism specialists and the airport security unit, he said, training and support staff from the Police College in Wong Chuk Hang would also be out on the streets.
The force has already stepped up patrols across the city after a series of knife attacks this month.
Marine police officers have been drafted in to help, along with personnel normally desk-bound in stations.
Security at government buildings, public transport interchanges and railway stations, as well as busy shopping districts, would be also strengthened over the weekend, the source said.
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He added there would be high-profile patrols and a heavy police presence around sensitive sites, backed by the force’s vehicles parked nearby.
The insider said that, in the wake of the stabbing of a police officer on the 2021 anniversary of the handover near the Sogo department store in Causeway Bay, officers would be equipped with stab-proof vests and patrol in teams.
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Roads around the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, where a flag-raising ceremony and cocktail reception will be held, will be closed between 6am and noon.
The insider said a police ring of steel would surround the area and another source said road blocks would be set up at key points.
Dozens of Police Tactical Unit officers were seen on patrol around the convention centre on Friday and a line of the force’s vehicles was parked on nearby Convention Avenue.
