British tourist arrested after smashing airport kiosks in Hong Kong rampage

He was arrested for criminal damage and for possessing four Viagra pills. Photo / Social Media

A British man destroyed check-in machines during an airport rampage in Hong Kong.

The 35-year-old tourist damaged self-service kiosks, nearby counters and railings during the incident at Terminal One of the Hong Kong International Airport at 6am local time on Monday.

The man, who reportedly arrived in Hong Kong last November, was then arrested for criminal damage and possession of Viagra.

He had reportedly been attempting to purchase a plane ticket before the outburst.

Footage shows the bald, bearded man, wearing a black jumper, blue jeans and a man-bag pushing automated check-in kiosks to the ground.

He then used nearby metal railings to smash the kiosks, before attacking the machines and damaging a glass panel, local media reported.

Tourists and airport staff watched the episode unfold in disbelief, with nobody stepping in as the man continued to wreak havoc inside the airport.

It is unclear what caused the outburst.

A Hong Kong Airport Authority spokesman said: “Airport Authority personnel and airport security immediately arrived at the scene, warned the man to stop further vandalism, and called the police. Officers then arrested him and are continuing their investigation.”

Arrested for alleged criminal damage

Police confirmed that the British tourist, who remains unnamed, was arrested for alleged criminal damage and for possession of four Viagra pills, which were allegedly found in his suitcase.

Those in possession of the drug without a doctor’s prescription can be jailed for up to two years and be ordered to pay a fine of up to £9,400 ($18,481).

The episode took place near aisle J of Terminal One, but the man was eventually arrested at the bus station just outside the airport.

Hong Kong Airport Authority said staff were dispatched to handle the situation and back-up smart check-in kiosks were arranged.

“Passengers may also use other kiosks or check in manually at airline counters, and airport operations remain unaffected,” it added.

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