Hong Kong police arrested a 12-year-old Form One boy in Tseung Kwan O on suspicion of attempting to manufacture explosives. The boy allegedly conducted a baking soda chemistry experiment under a flyover on Sunday and uploaded videos claiming he was making a bomb. Investigators are probing his motive and whether he acted alone.
Hong Kong police have arrested a 12-year-old Form One student in Tseung Kwan O on suspicion of attempting to manufacture explosives after he posted online videos of a chemistry experiment with baking soda under a flyover, acting chief inspector Tsoi Ting-kwong of Kowloon East regional headquarters said.
Tsoi said the experiment took place on Sunday under a secluded flyover near a public sitting-out area and jogging trail, with the boy wearing no protective gear. He uploaded footage claiming he was making a bomb.
A police source said the boy used baking soda from his kitchen. While sodium bicarbonate is not classified as a precursor for conventional high explosives, the boy had allegedly searched online for information on producing explosive materials, the insider added.
Investigators are working to determine his motive, whether he acted alone, and if he was influenced by others.