At around 11:15pm on Friday, an off-duty male police officer, aged 45, was attacked by three males with a knife when he was walking past Kwai Yi Road. Sustaining injuries to his limbs and back, the officer was sent to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment, Hong Kong police said in a statement early Saturday.

The Commissioner of Police Lo Wai-chung expressed sadness and anger over the brutal attack, strongly condemned such a brutal attack while noting that wounding with intent is a very serious offense and is liable to life imprisonment. 

The Force Welfare Services Group and psychologists are providing assistance to the family of the officer, Lo said.

Investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of New Territories South is underway.