Hong Kong Police Investigate Alleged Indecent Assault at International School

Key facts

• Police are investigating an alleged indecent assault of a four-year-old boy at International Montessori School (IMS) in Stanley.
• on April 17 after the child complained of soreness to his buttocks.
• Medical examination found redness around the boy’s buttocks.
• IMS reviewed security footage from April 17 and found no evidence of wrongdoing or an incident on school grounds.
• Police contacted the school on April 20, and the case is being handled by the Western District Crime Squad.
• IMS has stated there is no indication other students are at risk or that any staff member is implicated.
• The boy is a French national who has attended IMS Stanley since 2024.

Investigation Launched Over Alleged Assault at Stanley School

Hong Kong police are actively investigating an allegation that a four-year-old boy was indecently assaulted at the International Montessori School (IMS) in after the child complained of pain to his buttocks on April 17, prompting his parents to seek medical attention and file a police report. The school, however, has stated that its review of security footage from the day in question shows no evidence of any wrongdoing or an incident occurring on its premises. This divergence in findings sets the stage for a complex investigation into the serious allegations. The Western District investigation team has been tasked with following up on the case, which has been classified as indecent assault. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made, and the inquiry is ongoing.

Parental Concerns and School's Response

The incident came to light when the boy's mother collected him from school on April 17. Upon returning home, the child reported discomfort and pain around his buttocks. His father, suspecting an assault, took the boy to Gleneagles Hospital in Wong Chuk Hang for a medical examination. The medical examination revealed redness in the perianal area, a finding that further fueled the parents' concerns and led to the formal report to the police. The child, a French national with a Hong Kong identity card, has been attending IMS Stanley since 2024. In response to the allegations, IMS has stated it is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness. The school confirmed that officers first contacted them on April 20. Due to the ongoing investigation, the school initially refrained from sharing case details with families to avoid hindering police enquiries, a move that may have contributed to speculation.

Security Footage Review Yields No Evidence of Incident

International Montessori School has conducted its own thorough review of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from April 17, the day the alleged assault occurred. According to the school, these recordings "fully documented" the pupil's time on campus and showed no periods where he was unaccounted for. The school's internal checks, corroborated by the police's initial review, have thus far found no evidence of an attack on campus or any involvement by staff members. IMS has explicitly stated that there is no indication that other pupils face any risk and that no member of staff is implicated in the alleged incident. Despite the school's assertions, social media posts circulating on May 7 alleged that the child was assaulted by a foreign male teacher. These posts also claimed the family had withdrawn their child from the school and planned to leave Hong Kong, claims that have not been officially confirmed.

School's Safeguarding Procedures and Fee Structure

IMS has emphasized its commitment to child safeguarding, noting that all employees are required to pass criminal record checks and sign child-safeguarding declarations before commencing employment. The school has also indicated plans to review its security measures and hold meetings with parents to address their concerns. Founded in 2002, IMS operates multiple campuses across Hong Kong, including locations in Aldrich Bay, Mid-Levels, South Horizons, and Stanley. The institution offers a range of programmes from early years through secondary education. Annual fees at IMS vary significantly, ranging from HK$38,000 to HK$245,000. Kindergarten fees are approximately HK$150,000 per year. In addition to tuition, students are required to pay an annual capital levy of HK$35,000. Kindergarteners also have the option to pay a HK$150,000 debenture.

Ongoing Police Inquiry and Future Steps

The police have categorized the case as "indecent assault on a male under 16." The investigation is being handled by the Western District Crime Squad Team 6, with police stating that no evidence has emerged at this stage to substantiate the allegations occurring on school grounds. While the school asserts that its CCTV footage provides a complete record of the child's movements on campus and shows no irregularities, the police investigation will continue to examine all available evidence. The school has committed to further discussions with parents and a review of its security protocols. The outcome of the police investigation will be crucial in determining the next steps for all parties involved.

The bottom line

• Hong Kong police are investigating an alleged indecent assault at the International Montessori School in Stanley involving a four-year-old boy.
• The school's review of security footage from the day of the alleged incident found no evidence of wrongdoing or any incident occurring on campus.
• A medical examination of the child revealed redness around his buttocks, prompting the parents' report to the police.
• IMS has stated that there is no indication of risk to other students or implication of any staff member.
• The Western District Crime Squad is handling the police investigation, which is ongoing with no arrests made.
• The school plans to review its security measures and engage with parents to address concerns.