Press Release

Correctional officers rescue inmate from hanging attempt

     Correctional officers rescued an inmate who attempted to hang himself in Pik Uk Correctional Institution today (April 5).

     During patrol at about 6.30am, an officer noticed the 19-year-old male inmate was trying to hang himself by tying a loop made with a bed sheet onto the frame of an upper deck. The officer immediately asked the inmate to stop and called for reinforcements. But the inmate continued to put his head into the loop.

     Upon arrival, reinforcement staff immediately entered the cell and released him from the loop. He was conscious at the time. The officers sent him to the centre hospital for medical treatment, and he was later transferred to Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre for further assessment.

     A spokesman for the 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 inmate was admitted to the detention centre for the offence of being a member of triad society.

Ends/Friday, April 5, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:36

NNNN