Police said they arrested eight of their own officers on Friday afternoon for allegedly assaulting homeless people in Sham Shui Po and damaging their belongings.

The officers, who belong to the special duty team of the Sham Shui Po police district, were arrested on suspicion of obstruction of justice and/or misconduct in public office.

Police said all the officers either have been or would be suspended.

The incident in question took place at Tung Chau Street Park on February 28, where officers are alleged to have assaulted homeless people staying in the park and smashed their belongings.

The officers were on patrol in the area at the time.

A total of nine police officers have now been arrested in relation to the incident, after one was arrested and suspended in March on suspicion of criminal damage.