The police said they have arrested a man suspected of trying to kill his wife and three daughters by burning charcoal at a flat in Tuen Mun.

The suspect was detained at a guesthouse in Mong Kok on Wednesday evening and is accused of attempted murder.

Hours earlier, officers received a report from the man's wife saying that she and the three girls, aged between 13 and 16, were feeling dizzy due to smoke in a flat in Shan King Estate.

All four were taken to hospital and are said to be in satisfactory condition.

Police said they suspect the woman's husband left the flat after setting the charcoal alight.

In a press briefing, Sum Ho-min, chief crime inspector of Tuen Mun division, said officers believe the suspect was having financial problems.

He added that the Social Welfare Department will follow up on the case.