Police have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with the posting of rumours a Hong Kong financial institution would close down.

He was arrested in Kwai Chung last night for access to computer with criminal or dishonest intent.

People sending malicious messages not only incur civil liability, but also commit the offence of accessing a computer with criminal or dishonest intent which is liable to five years' jail.

Police urge people to use the Internet lawfully and not post irresponsible messages.