The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government will take more decisive measures to stop violence and restore order, Hong Kong's Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung told reporters Friday as radical protesters paralyzed parts of Hong Kong for a fifth day.

Facing escalated tensions, Cheung stressed the government will not allow anyone to endanger residents' well-being in exchange for their political attempts.

Cheung strongly condemned the murder of a 70-year-old cleaner on Wednesday, vowing to severely punish the rioters and take necessary actions to protect residents' legitimate rights.

He stated that the government will organize a Special Duties Unit (SDU) to support the police. The special force, according to him, will be mainly in charge of the security of government facilities and dealing with emergencies.

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Noting that rioters are turning university campuses into their crime base, Cheung called on the university and schools to take concrete actions to maintain order and stop students from joining the protests, and pledged that judicial authorities will handle the cases efficiently.

He urged all residents to respect the law, adding that the government has "zero tolerance" to civil servants if they are arrested for taking part in unlawful public activities.

Cheung's remarks came a day after Hong Kong's Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng was attacked by multiple protesters during her official trip to London.

Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam denounced the "savage act," calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday condemned the incident, while reiterating the central government's support to the SAR government and the police to protect the life and property of Hong Kong residents and restore stability in the city.