AFTER the press conference on Thursday in which Edison Chen made his long-awaited apology, he was whisked away to his house by Hong Kong police.

There, the cops seized the Chinese Canadian actor-singer's computer after a search, reported Shanghai Daily.

Police want to know if the 27-year-old star has any racy pictures stored on the computer, other than the 1,300 pictures the police have already seized.

The pictures show him in bed with at least six female celebrities, including Gillian Chung and Vincy Yeung, Edison's current girlfriend.

The search will help police determine whether criminal acts were involved in the scandal.

Police need Edison to answer whether Vincy, a 18-year-old undergraduate, was above the age of 16 when she was snapped in a shower.

Edison left his house at about 10pm under police escort and checked in at a four-star hotel.

It is believed he will stay there while assisting in the investigations.

Reporters kept watch outside the hotel as they were barred from the lobby, reported Lianhe Wanbao.

At least six vehicles from different newspapers and television stations were parked outside, ready to give chase in case Edison left the hotel.

FLIES IN VIA MANILA

Earlier, Edison had flown into Hong Kong on a Philippine Airlines flight from Manila, reported Lianhe Wanbao.

He was originally in the US, but chose to transit in Manila to escape unwanted attention.

He sat in economy class, flanked by two bodyguards.

In addition, he had bought his air ticket under the name of Chen Xing.

Edison's birth name is Chen Xing Hua.

At the press conference, Edison apologised to 'the ladies and their families' involved in the scandal and hopes he can have 'the public's forgiveness'.

'I have failed as a role model,' he said, adding that he would fulfilll existing commitments before stepping down 'indefinitely'.

This article was first published in The New Paper on Feb 23, 2008