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An inmate at Hei Ling Chau Addiction Treatment Centre (HLTC) escaped from custody today (February 24).
The inmate, surnamed Tse and aged 29, was admitted to HLTC in August 2005 on a charge of theft. He was assigned to work in a general cleaning party.
At about 4.30pm, he was found missing in a muster count after the cleaning party ceased work.
A department spokesman said the prisoner has yet to be located and the Centre has activated Escape Control Plan and emergency response procedures. The Police have been requested to render assistance in the searching operation.
The Correctional Services Department will launch an internal investigation into the incident.
Ends/Friday, February 24, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:21
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