Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner Mr Tsang Yam-pui said the Force had a long proud history and had successfully confronted and overcome many challenges in the past 159 years.

"These are successes which can be attributed directly to the dedication and fortitude of all those who have served past and present," he said.

Mr Tsang noted that time and time again police officers confronted danger as well as uncertainty of whether their duty to protect and serve would place them in harm's way.

They, however, willingly accepted the challenge in order to achieve what the community demanded: a peaceful and stable Hong Kong, Mr Tsang added.

While honouring the memory of those officers, both regular and auxiliary, who, whilst performing their sworn duty, gave their lives in the service of the people of Hong Kong, Mr Tsang also mentioned in his speech the tragic death of Senior Inspector Leung Bo-ming and Police Constable Wong Kit-hong.

"Through their selflessness and devotion to duty in assisting others, these officers have made the ultimate sacrifice," he said.

"In so doing they have displayed exemplary courage and dedication to services for which fellow officers, together with the community at large, should be extremely proud," he added.

Mr Tsang said the Force was particularly honoured by the presence of members of the Hong Kong Police Old Comrades Association and ex-members of the Hong Kong Police Force.

After the speech and a two-minute silence, Mr Tsang laid a wreath under a memorial stand near the entrance to Caine House at the Police Headquarters.

Wreaths were also laid by the Commandant of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force, Mr Kwok Chi-shun, and representatives from major Police formations and associations.

Commissioner Mr Tsang Yam-pui lays a wreath to pay tribute to all fallen colleagues