Police mobilise in Mong Kok after two days of clashes over Occupy protest
Policing stepped up in flashpoint area after two days of clashes between Occupy protesters, opponents and police; more arrests and injuries
Mong Kok finally felt the presence of increased police patrols yesterday, on the third day of protest clashes that saw at least two policeman injured.
The stepped-up security was in stark contrast to Friday's fracas in which blood was spilled in street brawls between Occupy Central protesters and their detractors. Accusations flew that police had failed to allocate enough manpower to protect peaceful protesters and sided with anti-Occupy supporters, many believed to be triad-linked.
Yesterday, the extra police officers reported for duty at about noon at the junction of Nathan Road and Argyle Street, the heart of the Mong Kok sit-in.
Besides strengthening manpower, the force was also seen bearing down more promptly on anti-Occupy supporters trying to make a scene.
"The reinforcements came shortly before the afternoon, and their execution of duties has greatly improved," a protester in his 50s said. "At least 10, if not five, times more officers are around compared with the day before."
Fellow protester Steve Ip, 25, speculated that the police had been prompted by media scrutiny to demonstrate impartiality. "All the footage online has also forced the police to act."