A police officer fired a shot at a protester on Tuesday after the latter failed to heed warnings to stop their assault, Hong Kong police confirmed in a video statement.

The incident happened in Tsuen Wan at around 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday after the demonstrator ignored the officer's warnings and continued with his violence, putting law enforcers' lives in "great danger."

The male protester, an 18-year-old, was shot near his left shoulder and was conscious when transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital.

He is receiving treatment and hasn't been identified by the authorities.

"Police don't want anyone to get injured, this is truly heart-wrenching," Yu Hoi-kwan, senior superintendent of the Hong Kong Police Public Relations Branch said in the video.

In the video, police also warned rioters to immediately stop illegal acts and vowed to continue to stick with the strict enforcement of laws.