HONGKONG Bank is to close the Shekkipmei branch in which 13 staff were killed or injured in an arson attack last Monday.
The bank's executive director, Paul Selway-Swift, announced the decision yesterday after he and the bank's chairman John Gray attended Buddhist rites for victims of the fire. Chu Po-kwong, 32, has been charged with arson and murder in connection with theattack.
''As a sign of respect for those who have lost their lives in that branch, we don't believe it would be right to reopen the business,'' he said.
Eight of the injured are still in hospital after the attack which claimed the lives of five bank staff. Seven were in critical condition while one was fair last night.
Robert Sherbin, the bank's external relations manager, said the bank believed few people would want to work in an office where such a tragedy had occurred.
He said a new location might be found or the branch's operation would be merged with another about a 10-minutes walk away.
''Right now we are concentrating on the people and we are saying a few prayers for those who have lost their lives. The commercial aspect of the business in this area will take second place for the moment,'' Mr Selway-Swift said.
