A Hong Kong police officer on Friday night fired a warning shot into the air in Yau Ma Tei as the lives of officers at the scene were under serious threat, said Hong Kong police in a statement on Saturday.

A large group of rioters armed with offensive weapons continued to charge through police cordon lines and hurled bricks at officers in Yau Ma Tei, putting the lives of the police officers under serious threat, read the statement.

After repeated warnings to the rioters went in vain, an officer fired one warning shot into the air, said the police.

In the statement, police strongly condemned the violent acts by the rioters and the attacks on police officers in various districts, reiterating that no violent behavior will be tolerated. Police will continue to take resolute enforcement action to safeguard public safety and bring all lawbreakers to justice.

According to the police, protesters continued the rampage in various districts in Hong Kong on Friday night, setting up barricades, setting fire and throwing petrol bombs towards police station. Some rioters caused extensive damage to shops and public utilities, including banks and MTR stations.

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