Bruised but unbowed Hong Kong police say no need for China intervention

Hong Kong's police are confident they have the resources to continue battling pro-democracy protesters, even if violence escalates further, pouring cold water on concerns that the authoritarian mainland might need to intervene.

Three senior commanders said they were unaware of any plans by China to bolster their own ranks with mainland troops or police officers, even if the political chaos worsens.

And they admitted that any move to do so would place the city's police force in uncharted waters.

But, they insisted, the issue was moot because the local force could handle the crisis.

"I can't envisage it," said one senior commander. "At the operational level we have considerable depth. I think we have the determination, the cohesiveness and the depth of resources to keep going."