(i)
(j)
(k)
(1)
(m)
(n)
2
CONFIDENTIAL
cont'd/...
On Lok Tsuen and a final attempt by District Officer Tai Po was made to persuade the squatters to move out of their own accord. This attempt was met with threats and abuse, bottles were thrown and axes and choppers were much in evidence. At this stage the squatters were warned by Police that they should leave peaceably and that it was Police intention to use tear smoke if they did not do so. They were also warned about the effects of tear smoke. Following this warning a number of persons, mainly women and children, left the area without further action being taken against them, while the remainder repeated their defiance by threats, brandishing of weapons and donning of protective helmets.
Initially, approximately 30 policemen were deployed in an effort to secure the area and five tear smoke grenades were used but these proved ineffective because of the congested area and the ability of the squatters to escape into structures and avoid the smoke. They were likewise ineffectual against those squatters who had taken up positions on the rooftops. This initial police deployment was forced to retreat from the area under a hail of assorted missiles.
It also became confirmed at this stage that support to the squatters concerned was being given from outside the area involving about 150-200 persons. This support stemmed from an area adjacent and one about two hundred yards to the rear of the affected area, the occupants of which have also got unexecuted writs of possession outstanding against their prop- erties. It was therefore decided that the only effective means of securing the area was to use more tear smoke.
This was effective and Police entry followed immediately meeting with isolated resistance from 24 persons, all of whom were arrested. People leaving the scene were not pursued and police action was con- fined to subduing resistance and securing the area. This was achieved by 1000 hours when the area was handed over to the bailiffs.
Of the 24 civilians arrested, 4 men required medical treatment with 2 being detained in hospital. 4 police constables received injuries, none of whom required admission to hospital.
All the arrested persons, with the exception of those admitted to hospital, have been charged. The cases will be heard in early August.
CONFIDENTIAL
(0)/....