Li says police will block illegal firearms coming into HK
Updated at 1.48pm: Secretary for Security Ambrose Li Siu-kwong said on Monday police would step up efforts to block illegal firearms coming into Hong Kong following Sunday?s shooting of a 49-year-old man in a Causeway Bay restaurant.
Local radio reported that Mr Li was very concerned about the shooting, which shocked residents of Causeway Bay ? one of Hong Kong?s most popular areas for shopping and dining. Police are still baffled as to the motive for the crime.
The shooting occurred about 4.15pm at the Jade Garden restaurant, when Cheng Kwok-shing, an insurance company executive, was waiting for his wife and son to leave the restaurant after dining.
Witnesses said a gunman shot Mr Cheng in the stomach after a brief struggle.
The gunman then took Mr Cheng?s Rolex watch before fleeing along Percival Street. Mr Cheng was rushed to Queen Mary Hospital for surgery. A large contingent of police cordoned off several blocks around Percival Street. The scene attracted a lot of spectators, who braved Sunday?s cold weather, to watch police probe the crime scene.
Police officers were also posted to the exits of the nearby MTR stations, but the gun man was not sighted. On Monday afternoon, Mr Cheng remained in critical condition, local radio reported.
This was the second shooting in the past month. A man was shot dead on February 3 when eating at a restaurant in Ho Man Tin. Four men have been arrested in connection with the killing.
Mr Li said police were investigating theses cases, and more efforts would be made to stop illegal firearms coming into the territory.
?The authorities are doing their best to tackle the flow of illegal firearms, and I hope similar cases do not occur in future.? added Mr Li.
Police said the gunman responsible for Sunday?s shooting was believed to be about 1.73 metres tall and powerfully built, local radio reported.
Further details had not been released on Monday afternoon.
