THE Hong Kong police yesterday condemned rioters who went on the rampage again over the past weekend, with violent acts from smashing shops and vandalizing metro stations to launching firebombs and cut-throat attacks against police.

The destructive acts were committed extensively across Hong Kong in an organized manner, the police said in a statement, stressing that the masked rioters completely disregarded law and order, and breached the public peace.

Thugs rampantly assaulted police officers, police vehicles and stations. A rioter attacked an officer with a sharp object and slashed his neck at the Kwun Tong metro station.

Shops with mainland backgrounds and residents who held different political views were also attacked by roaming battalions of mobsters.

The Hospital Authority said a total of 73 people injured in violent incidents had been sent to hospital, and six were still in serious condition.

The police reiterated that no violent behavior will be tolerated and vowed resolute law enforcement to safeguard public safety and bring all lawbreakers to justice. (Xinhua)