A Hong Kong man detained in mainland China has returned home safely, according to a statement by his family.

Returned to Hong Kong safely

Simon Cheng, 28, a trade and investment officer at the British Consulate General in Hong Kong, had travelled to Shenzhen in the morning of Aug. 8 for a business trip.

But he was detained on the same day when he was travelling back to Hong Kong through West Kowloon station.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Saturday, Aug. 24, Cheng's family said he has returned to Hong Kong safely, and has "no external injury".

They further asked the public to "let Simon rest", and said they will not take any interviews for the time being.

Detained for "soliciting prostitutes"

Cheng's family had not received any news about him for more than 10 days since his business trip to Shenzhen, and could not find him in any local detention centres.

This prompted them to put out a public statement that detailed his disappearance, and expressed their hope to see him return home safely.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs then confirmed on Wednesday, Aug. 21, that Cheng had indeed been detained.

Subsequently, Chinese state media Global Times reported on Thursday, Aug. 22, that the Shenzhen police had detained Cheng for "soliciting prostitutes".

Cheng's family had previously said the prostitution allegations were a "joke".

Top image adapted via Facebook