Press Release

Correctional officers stop self-harm attempt by person in custody

     Correctional officers stopped a female person in custody from attempting to commit self-harm at Lo Wu Correctional Institution today (May 24).

     At 4.22am, while a correctional officer was patrolling at the dormitory, she found that a 57-year-old female person in custody attempting to hang herself with a bed sheet tied onto the grill bars of the toilet. The officer immediately yelled to stop her and called for reinforcement.

     Reinforced staff arrived at the scene and entered the dormitory. The person in custody was sent to the centre hospital for medical examination. She was conscious at the time and had no injury marks. She was later transferred to a public hospital for further examination and treatment. The case will be followed up by a clinical psychologist of the department.

     A spokesman for the Correctional Services Department said, "The department uses all possible measures to prevent people in its custody from attempting suicide or self-harm. These measures include administrative arrangements, the improvement of institution facilities, staff training and first aid services."

     The person in custody was convicted of the offence of theft.

Ends/Sunday, May 24, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:05