Overseas Police Should Probe 'suicides': James To

Democratic Party legislator James To says extra measures need to be introduced to put people's minds at ease over apparent suicides in light of the ongoing anti-government protests, amid persistent rumours that some recent deaths could have involved foul play.

Photos and videos have been widely circulated online of dead bodies in recent weeks, with social media users raising concerns that some of those who had died appeared to be wearing clothing similar to that worn by protesters.

Police had also denied a rumour that one body found in the sea belonged to a woman they had detained over a protest.

To said on Friday that given all this speculation, the SAR's coroners need to take a more active role in investigating deaths that initially appear to have been a suicide.

He said coroners have the power to appoint others to investigate deaths, and police could be brought in from abroad so the public can have confidence in the probes carried out.

"We are thinking about, say, [coroners] instructing other experts coming from overseas, police teams... let's say Scotland Yard, to come to Hong Kong to take the place of the police in order to let the world believe that there will be an in-depth, thorough, objective, fair and comprehensive investigation," To said.