All out effort to crack down on the case suspect
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Police take a serious view of the suspicious object found case today (August 8) and will pursue thoroughly with a view to bringing the offender to justice.

Police received a report at about 3.30 pm this afternoon that a suspicious cylindrical object was found at Causeway Bay Station of the Mass Transit Railway (MTR). The object was found on top of a public pay phone in the station's concourse .

Swift actions were taken by Police in response to the call, including cordoning off the vicinity and temporary closure of three exits of Causeway Bay Station.

Officers of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Bureau deployed at scene took controlled disruption of the cylindrical object and confirmed that it was a Hoax bomb consisting of 'Marine Distress Pyrotechnic Signal' approximately 6 inches in length and 1.5 inches in diameter. Three electrical wires were attached to the external of the cylinder by electrical tape. The device was designed to appear as a Hoax bomb.

EOD officers took appropriate action to render the device safe and in the course of it, the pyrotechnic signal partially functioned but caused no damage.

"Hong Kong is a place with rule of law and we will not tolerate anyone to achieve one's end through violent or threatening acts," a Police spokesman said.

"We attach great importance to the case and are mounting comprehensive investigations," he said.

Police warn that making a bomb hoax is a serious crime and offenders upon conviction under Section 28 of Public Order Ordinance (Cap. 245) will be liable to a fine of $150,000 and five years' imprisonment on indictment.

"Members of the public are reminded to stay alert of any suspicious object or person and report to the police whenever appropriate," the spokesman added.

Police also appeal to members of the public who has any information to offer to contact the investigating officers of Regional Crime Unit of Hong Kong Island at 2860 7845 or 9464 7288.
Police Report No. 9
Issued by PPRB

Ends/Friday, August 8, 2008