By Chris Pleasance PUBLISHED: 06:45 EST, 26 February 2014 | UPDATED: 10:17 EST, 26 February 2014 The former editor of a Hong Kong newspaper is in critical condition after being attacked with a meat clever earlier today. Kevin Lau was slashed three times by a man in a crash helmet in a residential neighbourhood who then fled on a motorbike, police said. Lau was hospitalised in critical condition with slashes in his back and legs, said Kwan King-pan, acting superintendent of Hong Kong Police. Scroll down for video Former newspaper editor Kevin Lau has been rushed to hospital in critical condition after a machete attack
@highlight
Kevin Lau attacked with a meat clever early this morning
@highlight
He is in critical condition with a deep wound to his back
@highlight
Lau was the editor of Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao
@highlight
He was fired in January after reporting on human rights abuses
@highlight
Move sparked protests in city with thousands on the streets
The attack has sparked a fresh wave of protests in the city as supporters of @placeholder hold candlelight vigils