Hong Kong authorities are urgently appealing to the public for assistance in locating Ip Yick-chin, a 43-year-old man from Tsuen Wan who has been missing since late November. His family reported him missing to the police on December 7, prompting an active search effort by the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South. Ip was last seen over two weeks ago, on the afternoon of November 22, near the MTR Tsuen Wan Station.
Description and Last Sighting Details
Mr. Ip, who is about 1.7 meters tall with a medium build, was noted for his distinct appearance. He has a relatively round, pallid face and is largely bald, maintaining only short black hair along the sides of his head.
When he was last observed near the bustling transportation hub, Ip was dressed in several layers appropriate for the season transition. He wore a light grey short-sleeved shirt underneath a dark green short-sleeved jacket. His lower attire consisted of black shorts and black slippers. Accessories included a black bucket hat and a grey face mask. He was also carrying a dark-colored crossbody bag, which may contain immediate personal effects.
The Search Progression
The duration between his last confirmed sighting and the official missing person report—over two weeks—raises significant concern for investigators. While the police do not specify the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, the delay underscores the importance of public vigilance in locating him quickly. Missing person cases, particularly those without immediate leads, rely heavily on community input and witness accounts.
The Regional Missing Persons Unit is coordinating the search efforts, circulating his description and last known appearance details widely. They emphasize that any information, no matter how minor it seems, could be crucial to determining his current location and ensuring his safety.
How to Assist Authorities
The Hong Kong Police Force stresses the need for direct public communication to facilitate their investigation. Anyone who has seen Mr. Ip, or who has information concerning his whereabouts since November 22, is strongly encouraged to contact the New Territories South unit immediately.
Contact Information for the Regional Missing Persons Unit:
- Telephone Hotlines: 3661 1176 or 5239 7701
- Email: Use the standard police contact channels (or the provided encrypted email for general tip submission).
- In-Person: Report details to any police station across Hong Kong.
The swift reporting of sightings can significantly reduce the potential risk to vulnerable missing persons. Community cooperation remains the most powerful tool in resolving incidents like this, bringing continuity and closure to families like Mr. Ip’s during a stressful time.
Resources for families affected by missing persons cases can be found through various social welfare agencies and emotional support hotlines across Hong Kong, offering critical assistance during ongoing searches.