Cleaner, 70, Dies After Being Hit By Brick

A 70-year-old cleaner has died a day after he was hit in the head by a brick during clashes between pro- and anti-government demonstrators in Sheung Shui.

The man, who has not been named, had been in a critical condition. The Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin announced his death shortly before midnight.

"The patient's situation continuously deteriorated. He passed away", a spokesperson for the hospital said in a statement.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, for whom the man worked via an outsourced cleaning company, expressed "profound sadness" at his death. It said he was "suspected" to have been hit on the head by an object thrown by "masked rioters".

"We are very saddened by the incident and extend our deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased worker," a spokesman said.

"We have requested the service contractor to follow up the labour insurance and compensation matters promptly. With the consent of the family of the deceased, we have referred the case to the Social Welfare Department for follow-up.

"We will continue to maintain close contact with the deceased's family and provide all appropriate support and assistance to them as far as practicable."

It said the government was offering help and support to the man's family.

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