A police officer hit by a brick during the unrest in Mong Kok on Monday night has undergone a successful two-hour operation to repair his cheekbone on Wednesday, according to local media.
The plain-clothed officer, surnamed Wong, was hit in the face by a brick thrown by a protester. He suffered a fractured cheekbone and eye socket, as well as a dislocated jawbone. He was not wearing any protective gear at the time.
Wong was in a serious condition after being brought to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, but has since stabilised. He suffered no damage to his eyesight despite injuries to his eye socket, according to Apple Daily.
According to Singtao Daily, Wong said that because it was chaotic, he does not blame the attacker. He hopes to return to his position in the police force after he recovers.
The Mong Kok unrest broke out over the government’s clearing of street hawkers and resulted in around 130 injuries. Most of the injured have since been discharged from hospital. As of Thursday, 64 have been arrested. Among them, 35 men and three women aged between 15 to 70 were each charged with one count of rioting.
