Man attempts to set himself on fire at Prince's Building

A man in his 70s was stopped after attempting to set himself on fire in Central on Monday afternoon.

Sources said the man, surnamed Lee, entered the first-floor lift lobby of the Prince's Building located in Central with a suitcase at around 2 pm today and headed to the upper floors.

He then took out naphtha, paint thinner and a lighter that was hidden in the suitcase he was carrying and attempted to set himself on fire, causing the other occupants to rush out of the lift.

The security guard swiftly stopped Lee's attempt before calling the police for assistance.

The firefighters and police arrived at the scene, with negotiators attempting to stop the emotional man from taking rash actions.

During negotiations, the man suddenly attempted to light the lighter, which led the police and firefighters to rush forward and apprehend the man.

Lee was taken to the Queen Mary Hospital for medical attention, along with a male officer who injured his leg during the scuffle.

It was learned that Lee was an insurance broker and has failed to get his commission, amounting to about HK$2 million, after the client complained about his attitude.

The case is still under investigation.