Full confidence: Commissioner of Police Dick Lee says Hong Kong has ample experience in staging large-scale international events and Police are capable of handling them, including the Olympic equestrian events in 2008 and East Asian Games in 2009.

Initial investigations suggest the attack on lawmaker Albert Ho may relate to his legal work, Commissioner of Police Dick Lee says, adding the Hong Kong Island Regional Crime Unit will gather information from witnesses at the scene again on August 27.

At 5.15pm on August 20, four men armed with wooden batons attacked Mr Ho while he was having a snack inside a fast food restaurant in Queen's Road Central. Sustaining injuries to his head, mouth and nose, Mr Ho was sent to Queen Mary Hospital for medical treatment and was discharged on August 24.

Speaking on radio talk shows today, Mr Lee said enquiries revealed the four assailants were all wearing black colour caps at the time of the incident, and Identi-Kit sketches of two of the assailants were issued yesterday.

Culprits' details

One culprit is aged 20-30 years, is stands about 1.71 metres and has a strong build, with short black hair, small eyes and a wide face with a fair complexion. He was wearing a white T-shirt and a pair of long khaki pants. Click here to see a sketch of his face.

Another culprit is also aged 20-30 years, stands about 1.75 metres and has a strong build. He was wearing a white polo T-shirt and a pair of dark blue jeans. A sketch of his face is available here.

The third culprit is aged about 30, stands 1.7 metres and is of medium to fat built. He and the fourth culprit were both wearing a light coloured top and a pair of dark coloured pants when last seen.

Mr Lee called on people who have information on the identity or whereabouts of the four assailants to contact Police at 2860 7885. The identity of people providing information will be treated in strictest confidence.

Police protection

The commissioner stressed Mr Ho, his family and his office are under Police protection, and Police are investigating a threatening letter Mr Ho received on Thursday, and threatening letters sent to lawmakers Audrey Eu and Leung Kwok-hung.

Mr Lee said the recent cases involving threatening letters may be related to people's 'copycat' behaviour. The public should not defy the law and lawmakers should report to Police immediately should they be intimidated.

Turning to his work, Mr Lee said preparations for the 10th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR are underway. Noting the Olympic equestrian events will be held in 2008 and the East Asian Games in 2009, he pointed out Hong Kong has ample experience in staging large-scale international events and Police are capable of handling them.

Retirement plan

The commissioner revealed he will retire next year as he will turn 57. The exact date will be announced and Police have a comprehensive succession plan, he added.

Mr Lee said he will not take up any paid posts - including that of Secretary of Security - after his 30 years of public service. When retired, he will pursue his interests in tennis and cooking, and will spend more time with his family and friends.