Hong Kong police have arrested two tourists after an alleged violent fight in a serviced apartment that left both with facial injuries.
A source said on Tuesday that the force was alerted to the incident at K11 Artus at 11.47pm the previous day, after an argument over “trivial matters” between a Malaysian man and a mainland Chinese woman spiralled into a physical brawl.
The pair were visiting Hong Kong for sightseeing and met while shopping at K11 Musea early on Monday, according to the source.
The 30-year-old man then invited the 35-year-old woman to the serviced apartment later that evening for hotpot and drinks.
“A dispute eventually broke out over trivial matters. Under the influence of alcohol, the man became agitated and attacked the woman with his bare hands,” the insider said.
“The woman then struck him in the face with a wine glass.”
The man, who sustained a laceration to his lower left jaw, reported the incident to police, while the woman, who holds a two-way permit, complained of pain in her forehead.
Both were taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei for treatment.
The woman was arrested on suspicion of wounding, while the man was detained for common assault.
Wounding carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment, while common assault is punishable by up to one year in jail.
Both suspects remained in custody for questioning as of Tuesday morning. The Yau Tsim district criminal investigation team is following up on the case.
A two-way permit is a travel document issued by authorities across the border allowing mainland residents to visit Hong Kong. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
