Police in Singapore are investigating a 40-year-old man after a video emerged of him pushing a 73-year-old man to the ground at a shopping-centre food court.
CCTV footage that went viral on Saturday showed the elderly man patting a young girl on her head as he walked past her table.
The mother of the girl stopped him, while the man, believed to be her father, confronted the wonton noodle seller.
The incident occurred at an East Coast Road outlet and came to light after the Bei-Ing Wanton Noodle’s social media handle posted the video of the confrontation.
They reportedly appealed for information to identify the man involved in the alleged assault.
In a statement on Sunday night, local police said that they had identified the younger man involved in the incident.
However, they urged people “not to speculate on the incident or its circumstances” and to let police “conduct investigations and establish the facts of the case”.
The younger man had grabbed the elderly man’s arm and thrown him down following a heated exchange at the outlet, according to reports.
The elderly man’s son – who had posted the video of the incident on social media – said his father was “in his 70s and has previous leg and hip injuries” but “did not want to pursue the matter further”.
According to the son, the younger man later sat with his father, apologised and offered him a drink.
“While we appreciate that he eventually apologised, my father is now suffering from severe back pain following the incident. A drink and an apology cannot simply take away the physical pain or injuries he is experiencing,” he said.
The elderly man told Channel News Asia that he had patted the girl on her head because she “was very adorable”.
He explained: “Old people like to pat young children’s heads”, and said that although he initially felt fine, pain began several hours after the fall and he was taking medicines for it.
On social media, the reactions were divided. Some defended the parents, while others condemned the physical response.
One user wrote: “Some asian cultures believe it causes misfortune...so don’t ever touch any kid at all.”
The user continued: “You don’t pat children on head, especially if you’re stranger danger...the elderly man’s family should keep their elder in close observation... My father doesn’t touch anyone’s kid before asking or if its his friends grandchild etc...”
Another noted: “I am a mom (of) a son and a daughter - this couple failed to educate themselves and hence their daughter, as well about our Asian society/cultures.”
She added: “Really heartbreaking for kiddo and uncle... Hope the authorities can investigate and render support for all.”