Hong Kong authorities have warned residents to exercise caution if they are in the United Kingdom or plan to visit the country. The advice comes after a mass stabbing last week that triggered ongoing anti-immigrant riots.
An amber outbound travel alert (OTA) issued against the country remains in effect, a government spokesman said on Tuesday, urging Hongkongers in the UK or intending to visit to closely monitor the situation and prioritise personal safety.
The alert for the country has been in place since May 2017 after the Manchester concert bombing.
The amber alert, the lowest level on a three-tier system that also includes red and black alerts, indicates signs of a threat in a country. It means travellers should monitor the situation and exercise caution.
France, Thailand, parts of Japan near the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, Egypt, the Philippines and Bangladesh are among the 20 countries or regions currently covered by an amber OTA.
“[Travellers] should avoid large gatherings of people and pay attention to local announcements on the latest situation,” the spokesman added.
Hong Kong students abroad advised to get vaccination against life-threatening infection
Where can Hongkongers find help?
Hongkongers requiring assistance may call the Immigration Department’s 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, or use the 1868 hotline via the Immigration Department mobile app.
They can also contact the Chinese embassy in the UK at (44) 7536174993, or send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp or WeChat assistance hotlines.
The Security Bureau said it would continue to closely monitor the situation. Updates will be issued through media, the bureau’s mobile app and its OTA webpage.
Members of the local community help to clear debris from the streets in Middlesbrough after rioting and looting the day before. Photo: AFP
What is happening in Britain?
The violence erupted in Southport, a coastal town in northwest England, and spread to several other regions over the past week, after a stabbing attack on July 29 that killed three children and injured 10 others.
British citizen Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old British citizen born to Rwanda parents, was arrested at the scene and charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder.
The attack at a summer dance class shocked the nation. While knife crime is a long-standing problem in the UK, mass stabbings are rare.
Misinformation circulating online falsely identified the suspect as Muslim and an immigrant, fuelling anger among far-right supporters.
Protesters, including local far-right demonstrators, have clashed with police and caused damage across the country since the stabbing incident.
Local media reported that some demonstrators hurled bricks at police and mosques, and set fire to property. More than 370 people have been arrested across the country for their role in the protests as of Tuesday.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer blamed the violence on “far-right hatred” and pledged to put an end to the disorder.