Hong Kong police have arrested two women following a confrontation at a shopping centre in Kwun Tong, after an online video appeared to show an elderly woman pushing and slapping a five-year-old girl.
The incident happened at around 4.45pm on Wednesday at the atrium of APM shopping centre, where parents and young children had gathered around a play area. The footage later circulated widely online, prompting public attention over the confrontation involving the child and several adults.
According to a source, one of the women arrested was a 68-year-old woman who had been at the shopping centre with her 34-year-old daughter and grandson. Police subsequently became involved after the dispute escalated into a physical confrontation.
Viral footage shows child being pushed and slapped
The video circulating on social media reportedly shows an older woman approaching a young girl before shoving her. The child then appears to be slapped, causing her to fall to the ground.
The footage also appears to show a number of adults becoming involved as the situation escalated. Other people at the shopping centre can be seen gathering around the incident, with the presence of children and parents adding to the concern among witnesses.
The circumstances leading up to the confrontation remain under investigation. It has not been established from the footage alone what prompted the initial dispute or what occurred between those involved before the recorded portion of the incident.
Two women arrested by Hong Kong police
Police arrested two women on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident. The identities of those arrested have not been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The case highlights concerns over disputes involving children in busy public venues, particularly when disagreements between adults escalate into physical confrontations. Shopping centres in Hong Kong are frequently crowded with families, making incidents in children’s play areas especially visible to members of the public.
Authorities are expected to examine the available video footage and statements from witnesses as part of their investigation. Police may also seek further information from people who were present at APM shopping centre when the incident occurred.
Investigation continues after shopping centre confrontation
The viral footage has generated discussion online, with viewers focusing on the treatment of the young girl and the subsequent confrontation between adults. However, footage circulating online may not show the full sequence of events, and the complete circumstances will need to be established through the police investigation.
The case also demonstrates how incidents in public places can quickly attract widespread attention when recordings are shared on social media. A confrontation lasting only a short time can reach a large audience within hours, potentially generating strong reactions before authorities have completed their inquiries.
Hong Kong police have not indicated that the investigation has concluded. Further details may emerge as officers continue gathering evidence and determining the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault at the Kwun Tong shopping centre.