Standing firm: Officers hold their ground with shields as a protester confronts them at CGO

Six officers received minor injuries when about 1,500 people, including claimants and their supporters, rallied outside the building on December 3 after the Court of Final Appeal's ruling on 17 overstayers' Right of Abode claims.

A handful turned violent hurling water bottles, cans and other objects at the building and police necessitating the use of shields to protect people from the flying objects. A few tried to hit officers with broomsticks. Reserves at the scene and reinforcements on standby at Central Police Station were deployed and the situation was kept under control, although officers had to defend their barricades with pepper spray and their new-model batons.

Secretary for Security Regina Ip passed on a message of thanks from herself and Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa to Commissioner of Police Eddie Hui Ki-on for the top job done in handling the disturbance.

"Police handled the situation remarkably well in striking the right balance between the need to uphold law and order and to safeguard the rights and freedoms of petitioners. Police responded with the right degree of force and their exemplary conduct won widespread admiration both within and outside Hong Kong," Mrs Ip said. Mr Hui also lauded the restraint and professionalism shown, which was echoed by the media who denounced the protesters' violence.

On guard: Officers keep watch on a protest by Right of Abode seekers outside the Central Government Offices

"Although it may have looked big on television, there were only about 15 people actually involved in the disturbances which represented about one per cent of the crowd there - most of the demonstrators were still passive and law-abiding," Mr Francis said.

"However, officers reacted very well under a good deal of provocation from the small group and restraint was exercised. The incidents were very brief, no uninvolved parties were hurt and three suspects were arrested and taken to court."

Mr Francis said about 300 police were deployed including officers from Central District, Hong Kong Island Emergency Unit and the Police Tactical Unit's Zulu, Charlie and Tango Companies.

"We were aware of the possibility of someone causing a problem which is why we had a large number of reserves at hand and the scene was cleared calmly at the optimum moment," he added.