Man burnt in car fire wanted in Hong Kong

A CHINESE restaurateur who suffered serious burns in a mysterious car fire has been revealed as a former Hong Kong policeman wanted for questioning in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman during a robbery there, writes David Connett.

Kwai Chung, 41, was arrested after being discharged from a Birmingham hospital this week, on suspicion of being in Britain illegally. The Home Office said Mr Chung will be returned to Hong Kong, where he is wanted for questioning about the death of a female employee at a Kowloon moneylender's office during a robbery in July 1980. Mr Chung was serving in the Hong Kong police force at the time.

His presence in Britain was uncovered in June after he was involved in a minor car accident and asked by police to establish proof of his identity. A day later Warwickshire police were called to a bizarre fire near Edge Hill, Warwickshire, where a VW Golf car was ablaze.

The police initially believed Mr Chung was the victim of a car crash when they found him badly burnt and slumped some distance from his damaged car. He was taken to Birmingham General Hospital where it was allegedly discovered he was carrying identity papers bearing the name Simon Cheung.

An Interpol investigation quickly revealed he was wanted for questioning in Hong Kong.

Police last week attempted to take Mr Chung to Winson Green prison, Birmingham, pending moves to deport him, but the prison refused to take him due to his medical condition. Mr Chung, who is heavily bandaged, is now believed to be recovering with relatives in Leominster.