City
Epaper

Petrol bombs, weapons found in HK university

By IANS | Updated: December 2, 2019 11:55 IST

Over 40 petrol bombs and other weapons were found on the wrecked campus of Hong Kong's Polytechnic University, after police lifted a 13-day cordon around the premises which was the scene of violent clashes between anti-government protesters and the force.

Open in App

Police said on Monday they were alerted by the varsity on Sunday afternoon to a small number of petrol bombs and dangerous chemicals still on the grounds after the initial clear-up, reports the South China Morning Post.

Officers found 41 petrol bombs, 10 bottles of various chemicals and a gas canister.

Both the police and fire departments said the removal operation had to be suspended because of protests in the area on Sunday. They planned to return to the campus on Monday to pick up the remaining weapons.

Earlier, the university said in a statement that 20 petrol bombs and several offensive weapons were found on the campus on Sunday morning.

With the grounds dangerous for students and staff, management asked for their understanding that access could not be granted to the site on Monday and Tuesday.

More than 1,000 radical ­protesters and their supporters occupied the campus and engaged in fierce battles with police on November 17, the South China Morning Post said.

They blocked the roads near the university leading to the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and started fires on nearby bridges.

The force responded with tear gas, sealed all campus exits and asked all those inside to leave.

About 1,100 people came out in the days that followed, although some escaped.

Those aged 18 or above were arrested on suspicion of rioting, while about 300 minors were let go after recording their details.

Since the clashes erupted, a total of 3,989 petrol bombs, 1,339 pieces of explosives and 601 bottles of corrosive liquid were found, whereas 573 weapons have been seized.

( With inputs from IANS )

Open in App

Related Stories

EntertainmentJeremy Renner accepts aches and pains following his near-fatal snowplough accident

EntertainmentGolden Globes sets 2026 date

EntertainmentHugh Grant calls for ban on laptops, tablets in school

Business‘India Steel 2025’ to deliver roadmap on capitalising international market

National‘India Steel 2025’ to deliver roadmap on capitalising international market

International Realted Stories

InternationalPahalgam attack: Indian High Commission in London holds prayer meet, pays solemn tribute

InternationalIncreases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threaten years of progress, warn WHO, UNICEF, Gavi

International"Shock for the world": Russian MLA Abhay Kumar Singh on Pahalgam terror attack

InternationalPresident Droupadi Murmu departs for Vatican City to attend Pope Francis' State Funeral

InternationalJoe Kasper steps down as Chief of Staff to Defence Secretary Hegseth, moves to advisory role