Tai Po police detain 59-year-old over MTR molestation
HK01 · 6 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Police in Tai Po said a 59-year-old local man was arrested on Monday, 8 September, on suspicion of indecent assault after a 20-year-old woman reported being molested on an MTR East Rail Line train the previous evening. Investigators said the woman was on a train approaching Tai Po Market Station at about 7pm on Sunday, 7 September, when a man allegedly touched her and she later found suspicious white transparent liquid on her clothing. The man allegedly left quickly when the train reached Tai Wo Station, after which the woman sought help from MTR staff and made a report. Police said officers reviewed CCTV footage, including cameras installed under the Sharp Eye Scheme, identified the suspect and arrested him in Tai Po within 24 hours, seizing clothing believed to have been worn during the incident.
Key Points
- The complainant was a 20-year-old student, and one report said she was wearing shorts during the incident on the crowded evening train.
- According to police and local reports, she felt someone touching her from behind and later found suspicious white transparent liquid on her clothing.
- One outlet reported the alleged assault lasted about five minutes while the suspect stood behind her during the evening rush-hour crowding
- Police arrested a 59-year-old man surnamed Lo in Tai Po on Monday afternoon; he reportedly works as a clerk and is being detained for investigation.
- Chief Inspector Ng Chin-wang of Tai Po district said police believe the suspect acted alone, did not know the victim and was looking for a target on the train.
Why It Matters
The case shows how quickly station and district surveillance footage can shape investigations into alleged sexual offences on Hong Kong's rail network, especially when a report is made immediately after the incident. Police also used the arrest to urge victims and witnesses in similar cases to come forward promptly so officers can follow up and preserve evidence.