Hong Kong protests: More than 1,000 people block police headquarters over misconduct allegations

Activists say officers did not wear identification numbers during clashes with protesters

More than 1,000 people have blocked Hong Kong's police headquarters as protestors continued to oppose a controversial extradition bill that has caused the territory’s biggest political crisis in decades.

The protest came as activists filed complaints alleging police misconduct during clashes with demonstrators last Wednesday.

Police deployed its "special tactical squad" during the demonstrations on 12 June, but some members were pictured without their identification numbers, which would make it difficult for them to be reported individually.

In response to lawmakers, secretary for security John Lee claimed the uniforms had no room for the numbers, sparking anger and mockery from activists.

The latest protest took place after a deadline for the government to fully withdraw the extradition bill passed without action.

Critics of the government have argued that the bill, which would allow extraditions to mainland China, risks eroding Hong Kong’s judicial independence.

The legislation has been opposed by legal and business groups in Hong Kong who say critics of China’s government would be at risk of torture and unfair trials on the mainland.

Police called for demonstrators to disperse from the headquarters but did not immediately take firm action to remove them.

"I now appeal to the members of the public to leave as soon as possible," police spokesperson Yolanda Yu said at a news conference.

Activist Joshua Wong called on police to address concerns over its tactics during a mass protest on 12 June, which saw the firing of 150 rounds of tear gas, rubber bullets and beanbag rounds, as well as the beating of unarmed protesters by police with truncheons.

Mr Wong urged the police to “apologise to the people” over the use of such tactics.

The auxiliary bishop of Hong Kong's Catholic diocese, the Reverend Joseph Ha, appealed to the protesters to avoid violence. He warned that public opinion could turn against them.

"You have already been on the roads for a long time," he said on Cable TV Hong Kong.

"You've already done a lot. You have already expressed very clearly your hopes and wishes. But I am really worried about your personal safety. ... Please, absolutely, do not use violence."

However, activists want to keep pressure on Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam, who has suspended but not abandoned the extradition bill.

Ms Lam has maintained that the bill is required to close a legal loophole which is thought to have allowed Hong Kong to become a haven for criminals from mainland China.

Critics have argued that the bill is part of a campaign by Beijing to diminish Hong Kong’s democratic institutions and independence.

On Friday, the Hong Kong Bar Association reiterated its criticism of the legislation, saying Ms Lam's decision to suspend but not withdraw the bill was "wholly unsatisfactory" because it could still dictate the parameters of future consultation on the issues of surrender of fugitives and cross-border legal assistance.

The association has also called for an independent commission to investigate the violence on 12 June, including whatever guidelines existed on the use of force by police against protesters.

Amnesty International said police must “end the unlawful use of force against peaceful protesters” and issued a report documenting 14 incidents of apparent police violence on 12 June.

Officers appeared "out of control, placing peaceful protesters who posed no threat in danger of serious injury," Man-kei Tam, the group's Hong Kong director, said in a statement.

Mr Tam added that any officers found responsible of misconduct “must face justice, at any level of the chain of command.”

Agencies contributed to this report