The UK Foreign Office has said it is “extremely concerned” following reports that a British consulate official has been detained in China while returning to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has now been experiencing protests for months, some violent. Mass demonstrations and protests were sparked more than two months ago by the controversial extradition bill and last week saw flight cancellations at Hong Kong’s airport, one of the world’s busiest transport hubs as protestors clashed with riot police.
Simon Cheng Man-Kit is understood to be a trade and investment officer in the UK’s consulate in Hong Kong. He reportedly failed to return to Hong Kong following a business trip to Shenzhen in China earlier this month.
A spokesperson for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office said;
“We are extremely concerned by reports that a member of our team has been detained returning to Hong Kong from Shenzhen.”
“We are providing support to his family and seeking further information from authorities in Guangdong Province and Hong Kong.”
The statement came after unconfirmed reports from news site HK01 suggested that Mr Cheng Man-Kit had contacted his girlfriend shortly before his disappearance saying “Pray for me”.
Photo: Mr Cheng Man-Kit was due to return from a business trip in Shenzhen, China, it is understood.
