Police on Wednesday said a man plunged to his death after allegedly killing a neighbour with his bare hands during a botched break-in at a Kwai Chung flat.

Officers said they were contacted by the family of a 77-year-old man who had been out of contact since Monday.

The force found his body stuffed inside a travel bag at a flat inside the Man Lee Industrial Building on Wednesday.

Police said the 26-year-old suspect died after apparently jumping off Fu Ching House of Tai Wo Hau Estate at about 1.30pm on Wednesday, having told relatives that he accidentally killed someone.

Officers did not give an explanation as to why the suspect jumped off the building in Tai Wo Hau Estate, which is also in Kwai Chung.

Chau Kin-hung, chief inspector for Kwai Tsing district, said police believe that the suspect strangled the victim after being caught breaking into his home.

But he said there were no signs of struggle in the flat and officers have not found a murder weapon.

"Due to the hot weather and the fact that the victim was killed two or three days ago, forensic examination found that the body started to decompose," Chau said.

"We can't confirm the cause of death, but initial investigations showed that the victim might’ve been killed with bare hands."