Domestic helper arrested in Hong Kong over toddler's hot water burns

A domestic helper has been arrested in Hong Kong on suspicion of child neglect after a 23-month-old girl in her care suffered second-degree burns to her hands, according to the child’s mother.

Police said on Thursday that a foreign woman, 30, had been arrested the previous day after a man reported that his daughter had been scalded by hot water and suspected that she had been ill-treated.

The girl remained in Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment and observation, police added.

The woman was expected to appear at Tuen Mun Court on Friday, while a criminal investigation team in Yuen Long was handling the case, according to police.

The incident occurred while the helper was caring for the 23-month-old girl and her three-year-old brother at their Yuen Long home and their parents were at work, a source said.

The helper allegedly took the girl to the bathroom to separate the two children and prevent them from hurting each other.

“The arrestee claimed that she was preparing warm water for the victim to play with, but the victim put her hand into the sink before she could test the water temperature, causing the injuries,” the source said.