The police Thursday confirmed that constable David Liu Hong-man was caught with a prostitute in Shenzhen and has been suspended from duty.

Commissioner of Police Dick Lee said a disciplinary investigation will be carried out and dismissal was possible.

Liu, a constable stationed at Ngau Tau Kok, was caught with a prostitute in a flat in Shazuicun during an anti-crime raid by Shenzhen police. He was ordered to undergo 15 days of re-education through labour at Shenzhen Detention Centre.

Lee said there had been extremely few cases of the sort committed by the constable among the police force but did not give any figures.

Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee also said Liu's case was an isolated incident.

"The quality of the civil service will not be affected by individual incidents," he said.

And on a radio programme Thursday, police spokesman Alfred Ma said there had been cases of policemen violating laws outside Hong Kong in the past.

He said the force always pays attention to the discipline of policemen and encourages them to live a healthy life.

Meanwhile Ambrose Lee confirmed that a petition from the wife of Alex Ho Wai-to has been referred to the mainland authorities.

Ho, a Democratic Party candidate for the Legislative Council election, was detained in Dongguan after being found in bed with a prostitute.

Lee said Mrs Ho has made two requests during the meeting earlier this week -- to conduct a health check for Ho who has a liver disease and to allow her to bring him the necessary drugs.

The Guangdong Public Security Bureau has agreed to both requests.

(China Daily HK Edition August 20, 2004)