Hong Kong's justice secretary has given her account of how she suffered a partial dislocation of the wrist after being pushed to the ground by protesters in London.

The incident happened when Teresa Cheng, who was on an official visit to the British capital, was surrounded by masked demonstrators last Thursday.

Speaking publicly about the incident for the first time, she told reporters at the Chinese Embassy in London her injury needed a titanium plate with screws to be inserted to fix the fracture.

"The doctor advised that my left hand will not be fully functional for at least three months to a year. I am also told that I have some median nerve symptoms due to the injury which may necessitate future operation to release the nerve," Cheng added.

She said that after sustaining the injury: "It was fortunate that I was immediately helped to get up by one of the security guards of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and escaped potential further attacks had I stayed on the ground."

After being escorted to the building by security staff she was later taken to hospital by ambulance.

Following the assault, China lodged a formal complaint with the UK and urged British authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. London's Scotland Yard has been tasked with the investigations.

Cheng is the first senior Chinese official to be injured in scuffles since the unrest began in Hong Kong in June.

She said that the Hong Kong government was looking at "pragmatic ways" to deal with the five-month crisis and has initiated dialogue with stakeholders.

The secretary for justice said the violence had affected Hong Kong's core value and the confidence of the international community.

"Our rule of law is under challenge, it is up to us in Hong Kong to put our own house back to order and to reinforce the implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems'. Only then we can return to the Hong Kong we are familiar with."

She said that the unrest now has "nothing to do with the Fugitive Offenders Bill" and was "pure violence".

Brushing aside the attack on her, Cheng voiced Hong Kong's determination to nurture relations with London.

She also expressed her willingness to arrange a new date for the engagement that was left unfulfilled on the night of the incident.

Cheng had been invited to give a speech at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators on 14 November.