Hong Kong Police are appealing to the community for assistance in locating a 43-year-old resident, Ip Yick-chin, who disappeared nearly three weeks ago near the Tsuen Wan MTR station.
Ip Yick-chin, described as a man of medium build, was last observed publicly on the afternoon of Friday, November 22, near the bustling Tsuen Wan MTR Station in Hong Kong’s New Territories West. Although the initial sighting occurred late last month, his family formally filed a missing person report with authorities on Saturday, December 7, after extensive, unsuccessful attempts to locate him independently. Authorities are now utilizing public channels to gather any potential leads regarding his current status or whereabouts.
Identifying Features and Last Known Attire
Mr. Ip stands approximately 1.7 meters (about 5 feet, 7 inches) tall. He is characterized by a round face, a slightly pale complexion, and is predominantly bald, retaining only short black hair along the sides of his head.
When he was last seen in November, he was wearing a distinct combination of clothing:
- Outerwear: A dark green, short-sleeved jacket worn over a light grey, short-sleeved shirt.
- Lower Garments: Black shorts and black slippers.
- Accessories: A black bucket hat, a grey facial mask, and he carried a dark-colored crossbody bag.
The extended time lapse between the last sighting and the official report complicates the search efforts, making timely public cooperation critical for a successful outcome.
How to Report Information
The Hong Kong Police Force stresses the importance of any information, no matter how minor it may seem, from individuals who may have seen Mr. Ip after November 22.
Individuals with knowledge regarding the location or activities of Ip Yick-chin are strongly encouraged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South immediately.
The established channels for providing information include:
- Telephone Hotline 1: 3661 1176
- Telephone Hotline 2: 5239 7701
- Email: The dedicated confidential email address is provided to police.
- In-Person: Information can also be provided directly to any local police station across the territory.
Community Role in Missing Persons Cases
While police conduct systematic investigations, community engagement remains vital in resolving long-term missing persons cases, especially those originating in high-traffic urban areas like Tsuen Wan. The sheer volume of surveillance footage and movement within the MTR network means that a small, critical observation from a member of the public could provide the necessary breakthrough.
The police force continues to process leads and review available security footage from the period around November 22. The swift action by anyone recognizing the man or his apparel could significantly shorten the search period and alleviate the concern faced by Mr. Ip’s family.
The investigation into Ip Yick-chin’s disappearance is ongoing. Police reiterate their appeal for confidentiality and urgency in reporting potential sightings.