Man douses Central building in red paint, attacks guard in demand to meet Li Ka-shing

A 49-year-old mainland Chinese man was detained by police in Central on Tuesday morning after he stormed into the Cheung Kong Center, demanding to see billionaire Li Ka-shing, before splashing red paint across the elevator lobby while attacking a security guard who tried to intervene.

The incident unfolded shortly after 10.30am today when the suspect, surnamed Chen and visiting Hong Kong on a two-way permit, arrived at the building’s ground-floor reception.

Upon being refused permission to go upstairs, he suddenly poured red paint, purchased in Tai Po that morning, over the elevator lobby area. 

When a 57-year-old security guard surnamed Law attempted to stop him, Chen struck the guard, leaving him with swelling and abrasions to his neck.

Colleagues quickly called the police, and officers arrived to subdue and arrest Chen on suspicion of common assault and criminal damage. 

The injured guard was taken by ambulance to Queen Mary Hospital for treatment. 

CK Asset Holdings Limited, in response to inquiries, stated that the incident has been handed over to the police for handling. 

Frontline staff reported that the man appeared to be mentally unstable.

The group expressed regret over the injury to the security guard and will provide him with appropriate assistance. 

According to frontline reports, the man had previously caused disturbances at the Cheung Kong Center on two occasions. 

Given the seriousness of this incident, the group will apply to the court for an injunction tomorrow.

It is understood that the upper lobby where the attack occurred does not connect to the floors occupied by companies under the CK Asset Holdings Limited umbrella.

The group confirmed that the matter has been handed over to the police for investigation, which is being handled by the Central District criminal investigation team.

(Updated at 9.13pm)