Hong Kong's police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), has denied media reports about foreign advisers "quitting" an investigation, saying the first stage of their work is "basically over and it will continue."

The IPCC had established a five-member international panel including experts from Australia, Britain, Canada and New Zealand to provide international experience and advice on the IPCC's thematic study on police practices and procedures amid recent public order issues.

The latest remarks come after some media reports suggested that the experts had quit due to doubts regarding the council.

The experts said they "ultimately concluded that a crucial shortfall was evident in the powers, capacity and independent investigative capability of IPCC," according to media reports. 

"They are not quitting," IPCC Vice Chairman Tony Tse said at a press conference on Wednesday.

"We hope to maintain close contact. The first stage of their work is basically over. The opinions they have submitted will be reflected in the interim report due in January and will be submitted to the Chief Executive and be published," Tse told reporters.

The IPCC also released a statement thanking the panel for its work so far. 

The council acknowledged that it lacks investigative powers under its current legal framework and said it requires the ongoing support of the city's political leaders and police chief.