Hong Kong teenager admits making bomb from internet

HONG KONG - A Hong Kong teenager has admitted to making a bomb which exploded and injured a friend, using instructions on the internet, a court report said Friday.

The 14-year-old claimed he made an explosive favoured by Islamic terrorists for fun after learning how to do so online.

However, the bomb exploded when he gave it to a classmate who lit the fuse March 27. The friend sustained injuries to his face, an eye and two fingers.

The teenager appeared in court Thursday, pleading guilty to making an explosive substance.

A report in the South China Morning Post Friday said the court heard how the bomb was made of two plastic bottles filled with white powder known as triacetone triperoxide (TATP).

The chemical is the same explosive that was used by the terrorists responsible for the London bombings in July 2005 and by so-called shoe bomber Richard Reid, who tried to bring down American Airlines Flight 63.

When arrested by police, the teenager said he had bought the chemicals from local hardware stores and pharmacies and made the bomb out of curiosity.

Magistrate Denis Lau adjourned the hearing until Oct 15, granting the teenager bail to allow for the preparation of psychological and psychiatric reports.