Hong Kong police find no birth records for 2 dead babies found in glass jars at flat
- Police say preliminary autopsies were unable to determine time or cause of death
- ‘This case is a tragedy and we appeal to the public, especially pregnant women and expectant parents, to seek professional medical advice and take proper care of their babies,’ force adds
Two Hong Kong babies whose bodies were discovered inside glass jars did not have birth records and preliminary autopsies were unable to determine the time and cause of their deaths, police said on Sunday.
The bodies were found inside separate liquid-filled glass bottles measuring 15cm (six inches) in diameter and 30cm in height in a flat in Mei Hang Building on Kai Man Path in Tuen Mun.
Police said a couple believed to be the parents, a 24-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, were in custody and expected to appear in court on Monday to face charges of prevention of lawful burial.
Chief Inspector Au Yeung Tak of the New Territories North unit said further tests were needed to determine the cause and time of death of the baby boys.
“[Forensic pathologists] were unable to tell when the babies had died, or whether they had died before or after their births,” he said, adding that the preliminary autopsies could only estimate ages of 24 to 30 weeks.
Police said the liquid found inside the bottles would also be tested.