Hong Kong protests: student arrested for possessing explosive chemicals and smoke bombs on Christmas Eve denied bail

Eighteen-year-old had highly flammable nitrocellulose, smoke bombs, more than 30 types of chemical, and some protest gear

Two others denied bail were accused of attacking police at Harbour City mall in Tsim Sha Tsui on Christmas Eve

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The Tuen Mun Law Courts Building. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Published: 6:08pm, 26 Dec 2019Updated: 11:27pm, 26 Dec 2019

An 18-year-old student arrested for possessing explosive substances and smoke bombs on Christmas Eve was denied bail by a Hong Kong court on Thursday.

Kwong Wai-pong was among five people charged in different cases at Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Court on Boxing Day, arrested for various offences related to anti-government protests.

In the last two days, protesters have taken to streets and shopping malls across Hong Kong to stage demonstrations. Riot police have used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse crowds.

Prosecutors said police stopped Kwong outside a Kwun Tong storage facility on December 24. Inside, they said, they found highly flammable nitrocellulose, along with 10 smoke bombs, more than 30 types of chemical and some protest gear.

Riot police at Harbour City shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui on Christmas Eve. Photo: May Tse

He was charged with one count of possessing an explosive substance and another of possessing an offensive weapon fit for unlawful purposes.

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