3 women charged over Hong Kong play-area brawl, police say grandmother was hit first

Three women have been charged after a brawl broke out in a children’s play area at a Hong Kong shopping centre.

Police disclosed details of their investigation on Thursday, revealing they suspected that a 68‑year‑old woman seen in a viral video slapping a young girl had been struck first.

The dispute took place in the atrium of the APM shopping centre in Kwun Tong at about 4.45pm on Wednesday.

Footage widely circulating online appears to show the elderly woman, who was visiting the play zone with her 34‑year‑old daughter and grandson, forcefully shoving a five‑year‑old girl before slapping her, causing the child to lose her balance and fall.

Two arrested in Hong Kong mall fight over elderly woman slapping girl

The girl’s mother, also 34, then rushes forward to confront the younger woman, leading to further scuffling.

At one point, the boy’s mother confronted the girl’s mother while holding an umbrella, saying: “You cannot leave.”