A suspected psychosis patient attacked a 19-year-old woman in Shatin on Wednesday, slashing her with a pair of scissors.

The victim, who said she did not know the attacker, was hospitalised with at least four wounds on her back, chest and mouth, according to Apple Daily.

roadside attack
The victim was hospitalised with several cuts.

Several passers-by subdued the suspect, who was later arrested.

A witness told Apple Daily he saw a man and a woman scuffling on On Ming Street at around 6pm. Suddenly the man took out a pair of scissors and started attacking the woman, who ran to the middle of the road. She burst into tears and shouted: “help!”, the witness said.

roadside attack
Passers-by subdued the attacker.

According to Apple Daily, the attacker, 25, is suspected of having psychosis.

Vivienne Zeng is a journalist from China with three years' experience covering Hong Kong and mainland affairs. She has an MA in journalism from the University of Hong Kong. Her work has been featured on outlets such as Al Jazeera+ and MSNBC.