Hero’s burial for late Hong Kong constable paralysed for 21 years after attack

A former police constable who spent 21 years paralysed after an attack on duty will be buried in Hong Kong’s official cemetery for public servants lauded as heroes, the South China Morning Post has learned.

A source said that Jacky Chu Chun-kwok, who died earlier this month, would be buried in Gallant Garden on October 23 after a police service funeral.

Chu, a constable in the Police Tactical Unit, will receive the highest honours for the funeral service, which will also include a Taoist ceremony and Chinese-style marching drills.

Chu was critically injured during a solo patrol when a man stabbed him in the neck with a six-inch knife on the morning of July 19, 2005.

The attacker, Liu Chi-yung, was carrying the knife with the intention of robbing pedestrians when Chu stopped him for an identity check outside the Po On Road Municipal Services Building in Cheung Sha Wan.

When the 30-year-old constable grew suspicious and confronted him, Liu pulled out the knife, stabbed him in the neck and fled.

Chu took off in pursuit but eventually collapsed from excessive blood loss. His injuries resulted in brain oxygen deprivation and left him completely paralysed and in a vegetative state.

The former constable was awarded the Medal for Bravery (Gold) in 2006.

In its commendation, the government noted the police officer had shown extraordinary courage despite his injuries in the attack, making every effort to arrest the armed assailant until he collapsed.