One man was injured after the police opened fire during clashes with radical protesters in Sai Wan Ho on Monday and was taken to the hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening, Hong Kong police said.

Kwok Pak-chung, regional commander of Hong Kong Island, made the remarks on Monday during a regular press conference, saying the move of opening fire was made to "protect personal and other residents' safety" as the protester tried to grab the police officer's gun during the confrontation.

Meanwhile, Tse Chun-chung, chief superintendent of the Hong Kong Police Public Relations Branch, reiterated during the conference that police responded with dispersal and arrest operations due to extensive illegal acts in response to online rumors saying officers are ordered to use their force recklessly.

Radical protesters destroyed facilities in various districts and threw petrol bombs into MTR compartments since Monday morning, he added.

A video circulating online showed the police firing three rounds at around 7:00 a.m. local time, in response to unrelenting provocation by radical protesters. 

In a statement, Hong Kong police said earlier that due to the rioters' extensive illegal acts, the officers were forced to respond with dispersal and arrest operations. 

A protester was shot during the clashes, the statement said. Responding to online rumors that police officers had been authorized of shooting at will, the statement reaffirmed that the police has strict guidelines and orders regarding the use of firearms, and all police officers shall be responsible for their enforcement actions.  

Masked mobs set barricades and vandalized traffic lights at multiple locations in the city on Monday morning. Operations of at least four metro lines were affected and three metro stations were closed due to the protesters' destructive actions. 

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(CGTN reporters Zhao Yunfei, An Kun also contributed to the story)