Two domestic workers have been arrested on suspicion of child abuse after a 4-month-old boy was found with severe brain injuries and his 16-month-old brother was discovered with bruises at their home in Sheung Shui, Hong Kong police said Wednesday.
The infant remains in critical condition in intensive care following brain surgery, while his older brother is in stable condition. Both children are hospitalized.
Police said the children were primarily cared for by the two suspects — a 28-year-old Filipino domestic helper employed by the family for three months and a 45-year-old Indonesian domestic helper who had worked for them for about six months.
Officers received a report from Prince of Wales Hospital on Sunday after doctors identified suspicious injuries on the 4-month-old, including bleeding in the brain and retina. The injuries were consistent with “shaken baby syndrome,” police said.
Investigators found bruises on both children during subsequent examinations. The two domestic helpers were arrested Tuesday.
After reviewing closed-circuit television footage, investigators believe the 28-year-old suspect allegedly harmed the infant in the early hours of Sunday and is also suspected of injuring the older child, police said.
When asked about the duration and extent of the alleged abuse, police said the home surveillance system only covered the living room. No severe abuse was observed in footage from recent days.
Police said investigations are ongoing and medical experts will be consulted to determine how the injuries were inflicted and whether there is evidence of prolonged abuse. Officers are also examining the family background and caregiving arrangements.
Doctors indicated that symptoms associated with shaken baby syndrome do not typically occur from a single incident, police added.
The 28-year-old suspect has been charged with ill-treatment or neglect by those in charge of a child or young person and is scheduled to appear at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday. Investigations into the 45-year-old suspect are continuing, police said.
A person claiming to be the infant’s father posted on social media Tuesday, alleging his son had been violently shaken and choked, resulting in brain bleeding. He said the child suddenly lost consciousness and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Police declined to comment on the online claims.
