Correctional officer stops remand person in custody from committing suicide by hanging

     A correctional officer stopped a 30-year-old male remand person in custody from committing suicide by hanging at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre today (July 28).

     At 12.58pm today, a correctional officer found the remand person in custody attempting suicide by hanging with a bedsheet tied to the grille bars of his cell. The officer immediately stopped the act and called for reinforcement. The person in custody was found conscious. After receiving examination and treatment in the institution hospital, he was referred to a public hospital for further treatment. Preliminary information attributes the incident to relationship issues.

     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 person in custody from attempting suicide or self-harm. These measures include administrative arrangements, improvement of institution facilities, staff training and first aid services."

     The person in custody was remanded for the offences of possession of things with intent to destroy or damage property, etc.