- Family of missing man report case to police and ask Hong Kong government for help
- Security on bridge has increased ahead of 20th anniversary of Macau’s handover to China
A family has asked the Hong Kong government for help after claiming a man disappeared while facing security checks as he was crossing the mega bridge from the city to Macau.
The middle-aged Hongkonger, surnamed Chan, was reportedly travelling on a coach along the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge when he was detained at a security checkpoint manned by officials from mainland China on Friday afternoon, his son told local media.
On Sunday, Hong Kong's Immigration Department confirmed it had been contacted about the case and said it was supporting the family.
"The Immigration Department is following up the case through the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong," a spokeswoman said. "We're also offering advice and assistance in line with the family's wishes."
The son, who gave his name as Benny, told reporters his father had left him a message saying he had been arrested at a new checkpoint, set up by the Zhuhai Public Security Bureau ahead of the 20th anniversary of Macau's return to China.
The checkpoint sits on an artificial island linked to the bridge, the world's longest sea crossing, which was built to improve connectivity between parts of southern China.
Chan's family said they had lost contact with him after receiving the message.
President Xi Jinping will visit Macau on Wednesday to celebrate the anniversary of the casino hub's return from Portuguese rule, and officiate the inauguration of the city's new leader and cabinet on Friday.
Security has been increased ahead of the anniversary in Macau.
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Benny said he went to Macau to look for his father on Saturday morning, but was told by local police there was no record of his father's entry. The son returned to Hong Kong, where he reported the matter to police.
Hong Kong police said its Tsing Yi station had first received a report about Chan going missing on Saturday. Police said they opened a missing persons case after the son went to Tuen Mun Police Station in the early hours of Sunday with more information. The New Territories North missing persons unit was handling the case.
Zhuhai public security bureau revealed temporary new security arrangements earlier this month to "maintain the order of the bridge and create a good social environment" for the celebrations.
"From December 10-22, 2019, the public security bureau will set up a security checkpoint at the eastern artificial island to undertake security checks on people and vehicles from Hong Kong to Macau and Zhuhai via the bridge," the notice said.
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The Security Bureau in Hong Kong said under the existing terms of the reciprocal notification mechanism, mainland authorities should notify the Hong Kong government of any criminal compulsory measures taken against the city's residents, such as arrest and detention, as well unnatural deaths.
"If any Hong Kong residents seek help, the government will take action based on the current mechanism," the bureau said.
"The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) government will not and should not interfere in law enforcement action in other jurisdictions."
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