Hong Kong protests: Police 'wanted to kill' teenage demonstrator, say his friends
The 18-year-old is still in a critical condition in hospital after being shot in the shoulder at close range on Tuesday.
Wednesday 2 October 2019 15:29, UK
In shock they gather, the children of Hong Kong.
Students, classmates and friends of a teenage protester shot by police.
Some carry signs calling those responsible "murderers" as hundreds strike in his name.
The 18-year-old who took a bullet in the left shoulder during a fight with officers in Tsuen Wan is still in a critical condition in hospital.
We're told he's known as "Tony" in English or Kin and is described as a reliable, a big brother figure who was a good student and keen sportsman.
Outside his school we meet his friend who didn't want to reveal his name but tells us: "We are disappointed with our government and the police.
"Yesterday, I saw that they shot him at such close range and in the left of his chest. It is obvious that they wanted to kill him."
Footage from the scene shows a group of protesters with bars and umbrellas fighting with police.
A officer runs in to back up colleagues, his handgun drawn.
The student can be seen swinging a pole, then a gunshot rings out.
He is now in a stable condition but Hong Kong's Police Commissioner, Stephen Lo Wai-chung, has defended his officers.
"Police officers made warnings, but the warnings failed. The police officers' lives were seriously endangered and were forced to fire to stop the violent attacks. The behaviour was lawful and reasonable," he told reporters.
Meanwhile, it has emerged an Indonesian journalist shot in the face with a crowd-control round on Sunday has permanently lost sight in one eye.
Veby Indah's lawyer Michael Vidler said: "Doctors treating (Veby Indah) have today informed her that regrettably the injury she received as a result of being shot by police, will result in permanent blindness in her right eye."
Protests in Hong Kong have been raging for almost four months but for many the shooting of a teenager has crossed a line and today it feels like this protest has entered a new phase.
With this act the authorities have provoked a deeper level of anger and distrust and it's difficult to see how the rifts in this city can be healed.
We ask Tony's friend if his injuries will deter them from further clashes and protests.
"I think all Hong Kongers were sad after hearing the news but we cannot stop fighting for justice because we are sad," he replies.
"At that moment, when he faced police carrying a gun, he was still determined, hoping that his fellows won't get hurt."
Others share his determination.
Outside the court today where 180 arrested protesters were due to appear, anger bubbled up again as crowds shouted at police vans and banged on their bonnets.
18 weeks of fighting has cemented the protesters' hatred of authorities and there's still no solution in sight.