crime · HK01

Tai Po police arrest 59-year-old over MTR molestation

about 2 hours ago2 MIN
Tai Po police arrest 59-year-old over MTR molestation

Summary

Police in Tai Po have arrested a 59-year-old local man on suspicion of indecent assault after a 20-year-old woman reported being molested on an MTR East Rail Line train on Sunday evening, 7 September. Investigators said the suspect fled when the train reached Tai Wo Station, but officers later identified and arrested him in Tai Po on Monday, 8 September, and seized clothing believed to have been worn during the incident.

Key Points

  • The complainant, a 20-year-old student, told police she was on a train approaching Tai Po Market Station at about 7pm on 7 September when a man indecently assaulted her.
  • She felt someone touching her from behind, and later found suspicious white or transparent liquid on her clothing; the incident lasted several minutes, reported as about five minutes by one outlet.
  • When the train arrived at Tai Wo Station, the man quickly got off and left, after which the woman immediately sought help from MTR staff and made a report.
  • Tai Po District officers reviewed CCTV footage, including cameras installed under the Sharp Eye Scheme, and arrested a 59-year-old man surnamed Lo in Tai Po within 24 hours.
  • Police said the suspect, who reported working as a clerk, did not know the victim and is believed to have acted alone while looking for a target on the train.

Why It Matters

The case underlines how quickly evidence from station and district surveillance can shape investigations into alleged sexual offences on Hong Kong's rail network. Police also used the arrest to urge victims and witnesses in similar cases to report incidents promptly so officers can follow up and preserve evidence