Firework seized by police in Ma On Shan. Photo: Handout
Source:
https://scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3207724/hong-kong-police-arrest-boy-15-allegedly-possessing-11kg-fireworks-lunar-new-years-eve Law and Crime
Hong Kong police arrest boy, 15, for allegedly possessing 11kg of fireworks on Lunar New Year’s Eve
- Police stop group of people from illegally setting off fireworks on a beach in Ma On Shan
- Video clips posted online show firework displays in Sha Tin and Tuen Mun
Online footage shows an illegal fireworks display near residential buildings in Tuen Mun. Photo: Facebook
Hong Kong police arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with the illegal possession of fireworks on Lunar New Year’s Eve on Saturday, while online video clips showed pyrotechnics being set off in at least two districts.
The force on Sunday said it had stopped a group of people from illegally setting off fireworks on a beach near Lok Wo Sha Lane in Ma On Shan during an operation against such activity.
A police spokesman said a boy, 15, was found to have about 11kg of fireworks with him. He was arrested for the illegal possession of fireworks and firecrackers.
A boy, 17, wanted by police was also arrested for allegedly claiming to be a member of a triad society previously and jumping court bail.
The force said it was concerned about illegal displays near residential blocks, adding that it was “extremely irresponsible to set off fireworks or firecrackers” in such areas.
“It poses a danger to the safety of others and oneself and can cause fires or even explosions at any time,” the spokesman said.
Video footage was posted online of fireworks being set off in Sha Tin and Tuen Mun.
One clip showed fireworks being set off for more than a minute near roads and some residential buildings in Tuen Mun. Police sirens could be heard nearby.
Setting off fireworks during Lunar New Year is thought to bring good luck, health and wealth.
Hong Kong’s traditional fireworks display, normally held over Victoria Harbour on the second day of Lunar New Year, has been cancelled for four years in a row, first because of the social unrest that broke out in June 2019 and then the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite the government scrapping most social-distancing measures in recent months, it said in December that it could not hold the fireworks show this year as it took two to three months to prepare.
The Tuen Mun display lasted for at least a minute. Photo: Facebook
Under the Summary Offences Ordinance, anyone who discharges, throws or sets fire to any fireworks, to the damage or danger of any person, faces a maximum penalty of three months’ jail or a fine of HK$2,000 (US$256).
Illegal possession or discharge of fireworks and firecrackers carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a HK$25,000 fine under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance.