Bravery of five Hongkongers who tried to intervene in mall double murder recognised in gov't honour list

Chief Executive John Lee is to award a Medal for Bravery (Bronze) to a man who intervened in a double murder at a local mall, striking the suspect and preventing him from fleeing. Four others who sought to help will receive a Commendation for Community Service.

flowers at the Diamond Hill mall murder — People lay flowers at the Diamond Hill mall following the double stabbing. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

On June 2, two women were stabbed to death by a knifeman at a shopping mall in Diamond Hill. A 39-year-old jobless man, with a history of mental health issues, was later arrested on the scene.

The government, on Saturday, said that restaurant worker Ho Siu-fai – previously unnamed – heard screams nearby: “Mr Ho grabbed two stools and approached the suspect bravely. He hit the suspect with the stool with a view to stopping the latter assaulting the victim. Despite the risk to his personal safety, Mr Ho guarded himself with the stools to prevent the suspect from fleeing from the scene until the police officers arrived, displaying an extraordinary level of gallantry and selflessness.”

Chief Executive John Lee at the Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day ceremony in Wan Chai on Saturday July 1, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

A spokesperson said: “The Chief Executive would also like to thank four citizens for their unreserved assistance in rescuing the victims immediately at the scene, and has therefore awarded them the Chief Executive’s Commendation for Community Service.”

The honours list is announced as part of the July 1 Handover anniversary. A presentation ceremony will be held later in the year.

Hong Kong has seen the number of crimes reported in the first five months of the year rise by more than 10,000 when compared to the same period of last year, according to the police chief.

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