Press Release

Correctional officers stop person in custody from hanging attempt

     Correctional officers stopped a male person in custody who attempted to hang himself in Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre today (March 12).

     The 65-year-old person in custody was convicted of criminal damage and was under a hospital order in December last year to be detained for treatment.

     At 1.38am today, the person in custody was found attempting to hang himself with a piece of bed sheet tied to the window grille bar inside his dormitory. The officer immediately stopped him and called for reinforcements.

     The person in custody was conscious at the time. He was subsequently referred to public hospital for further treatment and observation. A clinical psychologist of the department will follow up on 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."

Ends/Sunday, March 12, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:36