Press Release

Correctional officers rescue inmate from hanging attempt

     Correctional officers rescued a male inmate who attempted to hang himself in Sha Tsui Correctional Institution today (October 2).

     At about 12.42am, an on-duty officer found the 15-year-old male inmate attempting to hang himself by using a bed sheet tied to the grille bars of his cell. The officer summoned reinforcements immediately. The reinforcement officers arrived promptly and entered the cell to apply first aid to the inmate, who was conscious at the time. He was treated by a medical officer in the centre hospital and subsequently transferred to a public hospital for further examination. A clinical psychologist will follow up the case.

     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 inmate was convicted for the offence of trafficking in dangerous drugs.

Ends/Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:20

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