Two 15-year-old boys have been arrested and detained for questioning on suspicion of criminal damage after an off-duty male police officer reported that red paint had allegedly been splashed over a watch shop near Mong Kok Centre. The case is being investigated by Mong Kok district criminal investigators.
Reports described the premises slightly differently, placing it either near Sai Yeung Choi Street in Mong Kok Centre Phase One or in the basement of Mong Kok Centre. The exact shop name and location were not given.
Ming Pao reported that red paint was visible on the shop sign and on the pavement outside. Police cordoned off part of the road while officers examined the scene.
The boys, both aged 15, remain in custody for questioning. The reports did not state whether either had been formally charged, and the allegation has not been established in court.
The incident was reported to have taken place at about 2am, but the reports gave different dates: Star Headline said August 23, while Ming Pao said August 24. The sources did not explain the discrepancy. Star Headline identified the investigating unit as the first criminal investigation team of Mong Kok district, while Ming Pao referred more generally to Mong Kok district criminal investigators.