Police group calls protesters 'cockroaches'

The statement called for demonstrators not to start fires. (Image courtesy JPOA)

The Junior Police Officers' Association has condemned people who were involved in Saturday night's clashes in Kowloon, labelling some of the protesters as "cockroach-like rioters".



In a statement, the union - which represents officers below the rank of inspector - described protesters as lawless and abhorrent, saying they are no different from cockroaches.



The group also decried what they called the use of petrol bombs during the protests.



Meanwhile the central government’s liaison office has condemned protesters who threw a national flag into the sea on the Tsim Sha Taui waterfront.



A spokesman said the act seriously violated the law, flagrantly offended national dignity and trampled on the “one country, two systems” principle.