Man arrested following Hong Kong hotel assault classified as murder

Hong Kong police have arrested a man for allegedly striking a woman at a hotel, leaving her unconscious, before fleeing the scene.

The force said on Friday that hotel staff had reported the case at around 6.30am that day after discovering the woman unconscious in one of the venue’s rooms.

The victim, a 46-year-old surnamed Chan, had a bruise on her face, police added.

Police said the arrested man, a 42-year-old surnamed Kong, had allegedly struck the woman before fleeing the scene. The motive for the suspected attack was not immediately clear.

A source said the man and woman had been friends, adding that the incident had taken place at the Royal Plaza Hotel.

“After an initial investigation by officers, the arrested person was detained in Mong Kok district on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He is currently being held as part of the investigation,” the force said.