Suspect arrested in alleged murder linked to loan sharks

Kelly Kong

A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 23-year-old man with severe injuries who was dumped outside the North District Hospital in Sheung Shui last Saturday, police said, adding that the suspect's accomplice is still at large.

Passers-by had discovered the unconscious man lying on the sidewalk on Po Kin Road around 5.49am, and he was rushed to the hospital but pronounced dead an hour later.

Sources at the scene said the victim had told his parents he was going for a job interview before leaving home on Friday. Authorities suspect the case may be linked to loan sharks.

In a press briefing yesterday, New Territories North Headquarters crime unit acting senior superintendent Basil Tang Yick-kay said they had arrested a 32-year-old unemployed man with a triad background for the alleged murder.

The suspect was apprehended in Tin Shui Wai on Sunday night and is currently being detained for further questioning.

"After reviewing a large amount of surveillance footage, we have identified a dark-colored private vehicle believed to be involved in transporting the victim to the scene," Tang said, adding that the vehicle had a fake license plate.

Officers later located the Volkswagen sedan, registered to the 32-year-old suspect, parked in Wong Chuk Yuen Village on Saturday night. A search of the car found blood stains and a stun gun.

"The blood stains were later taken for inspection," Tang said.

The 23-year-old victim was unemployed and resided in Sau Mau Ping.

"Preliminary examination indicated he had suffered multiple wounds from blunt objects, fists and feet, though the official cause of death is pending autopsy results," Tang said.

"The motive appears to be a money dispute and we believe at least one accomplice remains at large. We are also investigating the victim's background and relationships with the suspects," he added

Anyone with information is urged to contact the New Territories North regional crime unit at 5467 7518.