Hong Kong police probe whether 25th handover anniversary is target of possible bomb plots after arresting 3, seizing 30kg of chemicals
- Computer technician and his parents arrested in their flat, where a bedroom was converted into mini laboratory; around 30kg (70lbs) of chemicals for making explosives found
- Force insider says he does not rule out explosives could be intended for use during handover anniversary
Hong Kong police are investigating whether events to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty on July 1 are among targets of possible bomb plots after arresting three people and seizing about 30kg (70lbs) of chemicals that could be used to make explosives.
A 31-year-old computer technician and his parents, aged 60 and 63, were arrested in their public housing flat in Wong Tai Sin in which one of the bedrooms was converted into a mini laboratory.
The force said officers on Monday found 20kg of chemicals that could be used to manufacture the powerful explosives triacetone triperoxide, also known as TATP, and hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD).
Other laboratory equipment and installations such as circuit boards, timing devices and heat-generated devices were discovered.
Officers also found another 10kg to 15kg of various chemicals in a mini storage centre in San Po Kong rented by the 31-year-old suspect.
