Police are investigating whether a fake bomb found at the popular Harbour City shopping center yesterday had any links to terrorism.
At around 2pm, a security guard at the Tsim Sha Tsui mall called police about a suspicious device that had been left outside the BLT Steak restaurant on the shopping center’s Ocean Terminal strip. After around 600 civilians were evacuated from the area, a bomb squad used a robot to carry out a remote controlled detonation at 3:49pm.
Police Superintendent Yu Hoi-kwan told reporters that the “bomb” was, in fact, seven paper tubes which were strapped with electrical cables and an alarm clock to appear like dynamite. Authorities are currently looking for a woman who was filmed placing an item on the ground prior to the fake bomb’s discovery.
Yu said police were investigating multiple angles in relation to the case, including potential terrorism links. “I wish to remind the public that a bomb hoax is a very serious offense […] which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a HKD150,000 fine [upon conviction],” said Yu. She said that no warning notices had been received by the shopping center.
An investigation by the Kowloon West regional crime unit is underway. Anyone who saw what happened or has relevant information to offer is urged to call the investigating police officers at 3661 8255.
