Beijing Security Office Condemns Foreign Interference After Hong Kong Fire

Beijing's national security office in Hong Kong has accused foreign groups of exploiting a deadly fire. The statement came as police arrested a man for allegedly posting offensive comments about the victims online. The fire in the Tai Po district killed at least 159 people. In a post on Wednesday, a spokesman for the Office for Safeguarding National Security condemned what it called "external hostile forces." The office stated these forces were "stirring up trouble and taking advantage of the chaos" following the tragedy. It did not name specific countries or groups. Hong Kong police separately arrested a 35-year-old man. They allege he made derogatory remarks about the fire victims on social media.