A former Romsey resident has described her horror at the part a firm from her old home town has played in putting down democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong.

Journalist Annemarie Evans has witnessed riot police lobbing CS gas at unarmed protesters and the incapacitating spray was made by a Romsey-based company, Chemring.

Annemarie, who grew up in Romsey, and now works for Radio Television Hong Kong, said: “I am appalled and disgusted that the town that I love with its farmer’s market and mayor’s picnic could produce something like this.”

“The company could not have known in advance that the tear gas would be used on unarmed protesters, but I still find it unpalatable that this stuff came from the UK at all, particularly since its history is bound with Hong Kong. And with the current political tensions in Hong Kong, it is imperative that no further weaponry of any sort is sold to Hong Kong.”

Last month angry students started protesting over China's plan to vet candidates for the 2017 leadership election.

But the protests were intensified after police responded to the demonstrations with tear gas.

Annemarie, 45, who has lived and worked in Hong Kong since 1993 said she had covered many demonstrations in the former British colony and all have passed off peacefully.

“You can have hundreds of thousands of people on the streets and the protest will have a festive atmosphere. Parents will walk with children and elderly with students. Hundreds of thousands have been on the streets every night and not one window has been smashed, not a shop looted.”

Annemarie, who is a former BBC Hong Kong correspondent, said some of the protesters had used their umbrellas in a futile attempt to ward off the gas and pepper spray.

She warned that tear gas can cause long-term health problems, particularly for the lungs, miscarriages and even death.

Chemring has put the blame on the UK Government.

A spokesman said: “Chemring Group acts in accordance with, and is heavily regulated by the UK Government and this applies to the UK defence industry as a whole. The sale of Chemring Defence’s products is therefore ultimately controlled by the UK Government through the issue of export licences, and end-user certificates.”

He added: “In addition. Chemring also has its own sale of goods policies which are continually reviewed. At this stage, we do not wish to comment on what our future policies may or may not be as a result of the evolving situation in Hong Kong.”

Romsey and Southampton North MP, Caroline Nokes is also concerned.

Ms Nokes said: “I do think it is important to note that Chemring is required to act in accordance with the regulations set down by the Government, and there is no suggestion they have not done so. However I am writing to the business and industry secretary Vince Cable to highlight this situation.” Southampton Green Party’s prospective parliamentary candidate for next May’s General Election, Angela Mawle is also up in arms about Chemring’s role.

“I’ve been inspired over the last week, as I am sure many have, to see protesters in Hong Kong fighting for democracy. The use of tear gas on peaceful protesters has horrified me, and I am therefore dismayed by the news that this has come from my home country.

It is hopeful that Chemring is reviewing its export policies. Our Government must end the sale of arms to Hong Kong immediately,” said Angela.