Police officer expresses surprise at use of tear gas against protesters

A policeman on duty at government headquarters in Admiralty on Sunday said he was "a bit surprised" when tear gas was fired, but he dismissed any suggestion that the force had abused its power.

Asked if he thought the use of tear gas was necessary, the officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: "If the force really treated them as rioters, there would be more casualties. It was appropriate to use tear gas given the size of the crowd. The aim was only to end the illegal activity.

"Many of our colleagues want a good Hong Kong. We don't care about politics. People should use normal ways to express their views and should not affect others."

While he said he understood protesters' demands, the force needed to enforce the law when there were illegal activities.

"If we can't defend the bottom line [the ability to maintain order], I am afraid the Chinese government will seize power from the SAR government much earlier," he said.

The officer had worked for nearly 24 hours when he talked to the South China Morning Post at lunchtime yesterday.