An inmate with a triad is suspected of having organized a gang attack on a correctional services officer outside a Hong Kong prison on Friday because he was angry with the victim, the Post has learned.

A source said on Saturday that the inmate at Pik Uk Prison in Sai Kung was a member of the Sun Yee On triad gang and his dissatisfaction with the officer led him to arrange for his associates to launch the attack.

Lam Kai-chor, police superintendent of the force’s organized crime and triad office, said eight people had been arrested in the attack and the suspects all had triad backgrounds.

He said the force would continue to hunt down any others responsible for the case.

“The police strongly condemn the violent behavior towards public service workers and the illegal actions of individual criminals,” Lam said.

“I want to state again that combating triads is one of the main operational thrusts of the police commissioner. The police will continue to take action to tackle triads and their associated revenue streams.”