Visit to woman who chained children

The Social Welfare department yesterday made a family visit to a woman who was reported to have used metal chains to restrain her two children while walking them in the streets of Mongkok last month.

The mother and the two children - who appeared to have been aged between four and five and two and three - were photographed by a passer-by using a mobile phone on August 25.

The children were seen with straps around their waists that were attached by a chain to their mother's belt.

Witnesses said that the woman, who appeared to be a new immigrant from the mainland, frequented the Mongkok area with her children.

One witness said the mother seemed to be quite patient with her children.

Officials said they visited the woman yesterday as soon as they found out where she lived. They said they wanted to ascertain what welfare needs could be provided, especially in relation to the care of her children.