VietNamNet Bridge – There was no legal basis to affirm that four homeless children had been tortured and abused before running away from a children's home in Bien Hoa City, southern Dong Nai Province, municipal police said.

The police said that the four children, aged 4,5,6 and 13, had been ‘in excellent health' before leaving their home and all their injuries had been caused during their escape.

The children were discovered last month in HCM City's District 5. Two of the youngsters had broken arms and had sustained multiple injuries on their faces and bodies. Two were hospitalised for treatment at Children No1 Hospital.

According to the children's testimony, while at the home they were beaten with sticks and chains, tied up and held underwater. They were also forced to do housework on an empty stomach.

However, police investigations revealed that the oldest boy had been punished for misbehaviour. After that, he and the other boys ran away from home.

The boys hurt themselves climbing over the gate of the children's home and jumping 6m from a bridge.

The police also said that the boys' testimony concerning their maltreatment contained contradictions and did not fit with the facts of the case.

Police have decided not to pursue the matter.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News