Hong Kong residents arrested after demands for answers over ‘mystery smell’ in Tuen Mun lead to clashes with police supporters

At least 60 people taken into custody as police make arrests in residential buildings, shopping centre and restaurant

Officials have denied smell was tear gas and have been unable to identify source of substance residents said hurt their eyes and throats

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A woman is detained by riot police after Wednesday night’s unrest in Tuen Mun. Photo: Reuters

Published: 1:17pm, 31 Oct 2019Updated: 11:02pm, 31 Oct 2019

At least 60 people were arrested on Wednesday night following a second protest this week outside a Hong Kong police operations base in Tuen Mun, where angry residents complained about the unknown source of a mysterious smell said to have threatened their health.

The arrests were mostly made after police started dispersing protesters at about 9.40pm. Officers were seen entering residential buildings, a shopping centre and a restaurant near the base to make the arrests.

Residents suspected the mysterious smell was tear gas, something police have denied. The smell was detected in the area on Monday afternoon, and locals said it caused discomfort to their eyes, throats, and even skin.

A total of 11 people, aged from four to 70, attended Tuen Mun Hospital on Monday after inhaling the unknown gas, but have since been discharged.

A police officer holds a banner warning protesters to disperse. Photo: Reuters

The incident sparked a protest on Monday night, with hundreds of people taking to the streets, and clashes with police. Protesters hurled petrol bombs while police used tear gas, with one of the gas canisters ending up on the corridor of a public housing block.

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