A shocking incident in China’s Guangdong province has sparked outrage after a man was caught on CCTV allegedly throwing a young girl into a roadside canal before fleeing the scene. The child was rescued moments later by quick-thinking passers-by, preventing what could have ended in tragedy.
The incident took place on the morning of July 1 in Xilu Town, Shantou. Surveillance footage showed a girl, believed to be around three or four years old, walking alone along a pavement when a man wearing a blue shirt began following her. He suddenly rushed towards the child, picked her up, carried her across the road and threw her into the canal before running away.
Although several motorcycles passed by shortly after the incident, none appeared to notice the girl struggling in the water. Around 30 seconds later, a middle-aged motorcyclist spotted the child, immediately stopped his bike and sprinted towards the canal. He climbed over a barrier and jumped into the water to rescue her. A nearby woman and another bystander also rushed over to help bring the girl safely back onto the roadside.
Footage also showed the same man later returning to the scene alongside an elderly woman to observe the situation, further fuelling public anger online.
Local authorities later confirmed that the suspect is the girl’s elder brother and has a history of mental illness. According to the Xilu Town People’s Government, the man threw his younger sister into the canal during the incident. He has since been admitted to a psychiatric hospital for treatment, while the girl escaped without injuries.
Officials also announced that the two members of the public who rescued the child have been formally recognised and rewarded for their bravery by the Shantou Foundation for Acts of Courage.
The incident has triggered widespread discussion on Chinese social media, with many users initially believing the man was a stranger before authorities clarified his relationship to the child. Others questioned whether mental illness was a factor, while many called for a thorough investigation and accountability despite the suspect’s medical condition.
