A wild boar carcass found outside the luxury Deep Water Bay residence of Hong Kong’s richest man Li Ka-shing triggered a brief scare over possible human remains before authorities confirmed on Thursday that it was an animal.

A 61‑year‑old security guard at Li’s home at 79 Deep Water Bay Road called police shortly before noon on Thursday after detecting a strong odour.

Officers arrived and discovered the carcass of a wild boar at the bottom of a 20-metre (66-foot) slope.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department was alerted to arrange the removal of the 1.2-metre-long carcass.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

A video circulating online showed police and fire vehicles outside the residence, with several men in suits seen assessing the situation near the gate, sparking speculation on social media.