The 37-year-old Lam died during an anti-smuggling operation on September 25, as her police vessel capsized after colliding with a speedboat suspected of smuggling tonnes of frozen meat.

Speaking in a Legislative Council meeting on Wednesday, Tang said the taunts at the officer were cold-blooded and no one should make sarcastic remarks or gloat over casualties, regardless of their political stance.

He said eight members of the Disciplined Services have been suspended from work due to them making such remarks on the internet, and they may face serious consequences.

“These eight officers have been suspended from work and we would assess whether any criminal offenses were involved. If there's enough evidence, we will consider to make arrests and lay charges. If no criminal offenses were involved, we would take disciplinary action,” he added.

The suspended officers included two firemen, a policeman and a Correctional Services officer, according to previous reports.

Lawmaker Tony Tse Wai-chuen slammed the eight officers who made fun of Lam's death, saying they have lost their humanity. Their remarks also gravely damaged the morale and reputation of the Disciplined Services, Tse said.