4 boys arrested over wet tissue ball, water assaults on pedestrians in Tsuen Wan

Boys, aged 12 to 14, held after videos of incidents circulated on social media, police say The incidents occurred along the waterfront and in a public park in Tsuen Wan. Photo: Handout Hong Kong police have arrested four boys as young as 12 years old after they allegedly threw wet tissue balls and splashed water at passers-by while cycling along Tsuen Wan’s waterfront and in a public park. Tsuen Wan Chief Inspector Leung Wai-yee said on Wednesday that the arrests followed the circulation of videos online showing the incidents that took place between July 18 and 20. The four boys, aged 12 to 14, were arrested in Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing on suspicion of common assault. The Form One and Two pupils knew each other, but had no prior connection to the victims, Leung said. The inspector added that the incidents stemmed from disputes over the use of the cycling lane and the park. All four boys remain in custody. Police display bicycles seized after the arrest. Photo: Handout Leung said that police were reviewing whether other similar cases had occurred and further arrests had not been ruled out. Three men and one woman, aged between 45 and 71, were allegedly targeted but none were injured or required hospital treatment. “Being young or a minor is not an excuse for breaking the law, and police will take firm enforcement action against anyone who assaults others in a public place,” Leung said, urging parents to pay closer attention to their children’s behaviour and social circles during the summer break. According to the Juvenile Offenders Ordinance, no child under the age of 10 years can be guilty of an offence, while cases involving defendants aged under 16 should be handled by the Juvenile Court.