(To watch the video with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive Carrie Lam today said recent protests have escalated beyond their original demands, pushing Hong Kong to the verge of a very dangerous situation.

Speaking to reporters in the morning, Mrs Lam said she hopes people could put aside their differences and bring order back to the city.

She said: “The recent protests and marches have seen escalated violence, and these worrying acts have gone beyond the fugitive offenders bill, particularly when I have already announced some time ago that the bill is dead.

“Such extensive disruptions in the name of certain demands, or uncooperative movement, have seriously undermined Hong Kong’s law and order and are pushing our city - the city we all love and many of us helped to build - to the verge of a very dangerous situation.”

Mrs Lam noted widespread disruptions and violence associated with the protests have caused anxiety among many people.

“Some of them do not know whether they can still take some form of public transport, while others are right now being blocked on the way to work,” she said.

The Chief Executive added the Government is resolute in maintaining law and order and called on people to refrain from violence.

“We all love Hong Kong and have made different contributions to its stability and prosperity over the years.

“This is the time for us to rally together to set aside differences and bring back order, and say no to chaos and violence.”