Hong Kong - Two hungry sisters, aged seven and 10, dialed police after being left home alone in the Choi Hung area of the city, a media report said Saturday.

Police later arrested their father, 38, for suspected child abuse, the South China Morning Post said.

The two girls were taken to Queen Elizabeth hospital for examination although they showed no signs of injury.

Police said the girls' father had asked a neighbour to take care of them on Thursday morning before he went out. The two sisters were later taken back home even though their parents had not yet returned.

An officer said the 10-year old girl telephoned the 999 emergency number about 1 am on Friday local time, telling police that "she and her younger sister were hungry and there were no adults at home". (dpa)