Hunt for man, 81, after flatmate found chopped to death

Police were hunting for an elderly man last night after his flatmate at their public housing flat in Kwai Chung was found hacked to death.

The flatmate, Leung Kin-tung, was found in bed by firemen called to the scene by a third tenant, who grew concerned when the 77-year-old did not come out for dinner. The victim had been chopped several times on his head, neck, forearms and leg, police said. He was declared dead at the scene on Thursday night.

'Deep chop wounds were found in the neck and face. Blood covered his face, neck and shoulders, and part of the mattress was soaked with blood,' an officer said. An autopsy will be carried out on Monday.

A chopper suspected to have been used in the attack, which police said might have been washed, was found in the kitchen. They said there was no sign of ransacking at the three-room flat in Tak Yam House, On Yam Estate. The officer said police did not think Leung had any disputes with others.

'The deceased's elderly co-tenant has gone missing. We urgently want to find him,' the officer said. The missing man is surnamed Kong and aged 81.

Leung, who had difficulty walking, was last seen in the flat on Sunday morning.