Former television news reporter and anchor Ryan Lau Chun-kong reportedly committed suicide by burning charcoal in his home at Wong Yi Au in Tai Po on Friday afternoon.

The incident was reported to police at around 3 pm today, with Lau found unconscious inside his residence. Signs of charcoal burning were also found.

Lau has been active on social media. He last updated on a social platform on Wednesday with a short video lecturing followers on presentation skills. He also revealed days ago that he would soon be featuring in a television show.

The media veteran worked as a journalist and news anchor for TVB for more than eight years, before he quit in 2010. He then switched career lanes to take up public relations duties with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Kowloon Motor Bus.

He also set up a production house, and later published a book describing his first-hand experience, and those of other witnesses, of the Yuen Long attack on July 21 in 2019.

Earlier in 2020, Lau separated from his wife on their 10-year wedding anniversary. In September that year, the father of two was arrested after being involved in a scuffle at a Kwun Tong restaurant with a friend of his separated wife. He later issued an apology, saying it stemmed from a misunderstanding.

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If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, help is available. Dial 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or 2382 2007 for Suicide Prevention Services.

You can also call Suicide Prevention Services at 2382 0000 or CEASE Crisis Centre of Tung Wah Groups of Hospitals at 18281.

Ex-TV journalist Ryan Lau commits suicide at Tai Po home