A man and woman have been arrested after their two-year-old son was allegedly assaulted inside a restaurant in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The incident reportedly happened on 8th July, when the parents visited the restaurant with the young child. Staff told police that the father allegedly hit and shook the boy. He is also accused of repeatedly covering the child’s mouth and nose with his hand for prolonged periods to stop him crying.
According to witnesses, the mother did not intervene or challenge the father’s alleged behaviour. Staff claimed that she appeared to encourage his actions.
Police launched an investigation after receiving information about the incident and worked to identify the parents, whose usual home is in Murcia on the Spanish mainland.
Officers from specialist child protection units in Tenerife and Murcia worked together on the case. The father and mother were arrested in Tenerife on 20th and 21st July respectively.
Both suspects were then brought before the relevant judicial authority. Police have not released further information about the child’s condition or current care arrangements.
Anyone who witnesses suspected child abuse should contact the emergency services immediately by calling 112.
