Press Release

Correctional officers stop remand person in custody from committing suicide by hanging

     Correctional officers yesterday (July 23) stopped a male remand person in custody from committing suicide by hanging at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre.

     Yesterday, the 77-year-old person in custody was remanded at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre for the offence of trafficking in dangerous drugs. As the person in custody was suspected to have swallowed a quantity of suspected dangerous drugs before admission, which were visible after undergoing X-ray body scanning, he was separated in the centre hospital for close monitoring.

     At 11.05pm yesterday, he was found trying to hang himself from the door grille inside his cell using torn pillow cases. Officers at scene immediately called for reinforcements and released him and applied first-aid to him. The remand person in custody was unconscious at the time. After preliminary examination and treatment by the medical officer, he was subsequently referred to a public hospital for further treatment.

     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."

Ends/Sunday, July 24, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:20