Girl gang's attack on teen is posted on net
Police are investigating video footage posted on social networking sites which appears to show schoolgirls beating up a helpless female victim while boys shout encouragement.
The footage appeared briefly on video-sharing websites YouTube and Online.hk before it was removed on Friday night under rules forbidding offensive content.
However, the video was reposted on Facebook and the mainland-based web portal Youku, where it could still be viewed last night.
The video lasts about a minute and a half and shows several girls punching the victim, a girl with long hair and in shorts, on the head.
A girl in sports attire bearing what appears to be the initials 'S.H.W' can be seen holding the victim down as others kick her body. The victim is also seen being repeatedly knocked to the ground and kicked, with one girl seen jumping on her.
In the background boys can be heard shouting: 'Do it! All of the girls!' Swear words can be heard throughout the video.
Two of those in the gang filmed the fight, which has sparked an outcry among internet users.
'Are they humans? Why can they do that?' wrote one respondent on Youku. Another asked: 'Are they mad? Why would those who beat her up film it and post it online?'
Some of those who reacted on the internet to the video speculated the initials seen on at least one attacker could be that of a Hong Kong school.
Some said the fight could have taken place in Tin Shui Wai.
It was unclear when the incident happened, but the attackers could be seen wearing winter uniforms.
One user commented on Youku that the group had been 'sent to institutions a year ago'.
The school did not respond to calls yesterday seeking comment.
A spokesman from the Education Bureau said staff would follow up the incident with schools after the public holiday.
A police spokesman said the force would 'look into' the incident.
In 2009, police arrested 15 young people aged 13 to 20 in connection with a gang brawl involving students from different schools in Ho Man Tin.
The brawl, involving about 50 students and youths, was captured on video camera by a nearby resident and was later posted on YouTube.
The clip, lasting 21/2 minutes, showed a group of students in navy sweaters, joined by about 10 others, attacking a group of students dressed in grey.
Some of the students used their fists and feet in the attacks.
