Two brawls broke out in Tong Fuk Correctional Institution earlier this month, causing injuries to an inmate and a prison guard.

The fights were connected to “illicit activities” in the medium security jail, the Correctional Services Department said.

The brawls, involving 13 prisoners and an unspecified number of staff, took place first in the laundry workshop and later in a dining hall on February 5.

Prison officers had received intelligence in late January about planned illegal activities and were on alert for the violence, the CSD said.

One prison officer suffered injuries to his shoulder and wrist and a prisoner sustained head and hand injuries in the brawls.

Both were transferred to hospital for further treatment.

Twelves prisoners involved in the brawls and suspected of involvement in illegal activity were separated and put under investigation.

The prison atmosphere was “stable” following the incidents, which had been reported to the police for further inquiry, CSD said.

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