Police on Friday strongly condemned the act of impersonating police officers, and expressed concern over media reports that overseas legal practitioners received emails from someone claiming to be from the force.

British newspaper The Times had reported that three London barristers representing tycoon Jimmy Lai had received emails claiming to be from an "officer of the national security wing” in Hong Kong, who accused them of violating the national security law and warned that they could be extradited.

The trio – Caoilfhionn Gallagher, Jonathan Price and Jennifer Robinson from Doughty Street Chambers – told Reuters separately the messages came from a generic Gmail address.

In a statement on Friday evening, Hong Kong police clarified the department on safeguarding national security is officially known as the National Security Department.

"Police strongly condemn the act of impersonating police officers. Police appealed to the persons concerned to provide further information or evidence to facilitate follow-up actions," the statement read.

The force reiterated that it would act in accordance with the relevant laws, established procedures and guidelines when executing its duties.