Nine in critical condition after arson attack
Nine men were in a critical condition in hospital last night after being badly burned in an arson attack on a factory in Cheung Sha Wan.
The police have launched a manhunt for the suspect they believe started the fire.
Home Affairs Director Pamela Tan Kam Mi-wah - who visited the victims and their families at Princess Margaret Hospital and Queen Mary Hospital yesterday - described the attack as regrettable. Ms Tan said people should be 'more tolerant' of each other. She said the Social Welfare Department would contact victims' families to offer help.
Two other people suffered minor injuries. One was released from hospital yesterday and was taken back to the scene to help police investigations.
The arson attack happened at about 8pm on Saturday at a leather factory in Lai Chi Kok Road.
Regional Crime Unit officers have taken up the investigation and are searching for the suspected arsonist.
He is described as being aged 30 to 40, overweight and 1.67 metres tall. He was wearing a red cap and a green top at the time of the attack.
The torched unit remained sealed yesterday as officers conducted a search.
They also conducted door-to-door inquiries among people working in other units in the factory building.
Initial investigations revealed that the 11 victims, aged 46 to 71, were having dinner and playing mahjong inside the factory when it was set alight.
The suspect was said to have argued with some of the victims before he started the blaze with inflammable liquid. It is believed the suspect suffered leg injuries in the attack.
The police also found a 20cm-long knife on a staircase.
Firefighters put out the flames in a few minutes.
Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 2761 2260.
