Hong Kong boy, 12, arrested for allegedly making explosives, posting process online

Hong Kong police have arrested a 12-year-old boy in Tseung Kwan O on suspicion of attempting to manufacture explosives after he posted online videos of himself conducting a chemistry experiment with baking soda under a flyover.

The boy, a Form One student, allegedly carried out the experiment on Sunday and uploaded footage claiming he was making a bomb, acting chief inspector Tsoi Ting-kwong of Kowloon East regional headquarters said.

Tsoi said the experiment was performed under a secluded flyover near a public sitting-out area and jogging trail, and without any protective gear.

The boy was detained on suspicion of attempting to make explosives.

A police source said the boy had used baking soda from his kitchen. While sodium bicarbonate is not classified as a precursor for conventional high explosives, the boy had allegedly searched online for information on how to produce explosive materials, the insider said.

Investigators are working to determine his motive, whether he acted alone and if he was influenced by others.