Passers-by rescue girl after brother throws her into river in southern China
A toddler in Guangdong, China, was rescued by two passers-by after her older brother allegedly threw her into a river. Police said the man, believed to have experienced a mental illness episode, has since been admitted to a psychiatric treatment facility.
CHINA: A young girl in Shantou, Guangdong Province, was rescued by two passers-by after being thrown into a river by her older brother, according to police findings reported by HK01.
The incident occurred on the morning of 1 July in Xilu Town, Chaoyang District.
Surveillance footage circulating online showed a man following the child before carrying her towards a nearby river.
The man then threw the girl into the water before leaving the scene.
Passers-by intervene
A man riding an electric scooter witnessed the incident and immediately stopped to help.
Footage showed him rushing to the river, climbing over a railing and entering the water to retrieve the child.
A second passer-by, a woman riding an electric scooter, also stopped to assist.
She helped bring the girl to safety after the child was lifted from the water.
The girl's condition was not disclosed in reports, but footage showed her being carried away from the scene after the rescue.
Brother identified by police
Police investigations later identified the man as the girl's biological older brother.
According to HK01, authorities believe his actions were linked to a suspected mental illness episode.
Reports said he has since been admitted to a psychiatric treatment facility for treatment and assessment.
The footage also showed the man later returning to the area accompanied by an elderly person.
The child was subsequently taken away by adults at the scene.
Rescuers commended
Following the incident, the Shantou Foundation for Justice and Courage commended the two members of the public who intervened and rescued the child.
The organisation recognises acts of bravery and public assistance in the region.
The incident has attracted widespread attention on Chinese social media, with many users praising the quick actions of the two passers-by, which may have prevented a more serious outcome.
