Prison authorities say officers on Tuesday recaptured a remand prisoner who slipped out of his handcuffs and escaped while at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The 27-year-old man, who was cuffed to the bed, had been at the hospital for treatment for four days after reporting physical discomfort.

He got away at around 11pm on Tuesday, but was captured soon afterwards near the hospital.

The incident has been reported to police, and the Correctional Services Department has appointed a board of enquiry to conduct a thorough investigation.

The man was being held at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre after being charged with burglary in July 2023.