A disturbing case involving the suspected neglect and abuse of a 22-month-old child has emerged in Limassol, Cyprus, prompting the arrest of both parents and the intervention of multiple authorities.
According to police reports, on the evening of Tuesday, around 8:30 p.m., a 22-month-old toddler was brought to a private clinic in Limassol with second-degree burns. Medical examinations revealed burns on the child’s palms and soles, as well as abrasions on the head and multiple signs of neglect, including dehydration and general physical trauma. Doctors described the child’s condition as serious but not life-threatening. The child was hospitalised for continued treatment.
Upon notification by the medical staff, the Cyprus Police launched an immediate investigation. Officers visited the family home where they gathered evidence and obtained witness testimony suggesting that the child had been left unsupervised and neglected. The parents, aged 31 and 35, were arrested under suspicion of exposing a minor to danger. They were brought before the Limassol District Court on Wednesday, which issued a five-day remand order to facilitate further investigation.
Police official Lefteris Kyriakou, head of the Limassol Criminal Investigation Department (CID), confirmed in a public statement that the initial report came from the private medical facility treating the child. Following medical assessment and police investigation at the family residence, testimony was secured supporting the claim that the child had been exposed to hazardous conditions.
Kyriakou explained that although the parents claimed the injuries resulted from the child being placed in hot water during a bath, the authorities are treating the matter as an ongoing criminal investigation. “We cannot yet confirm exactly how the injuries were caused,” he stated, adding that all evidence, including medical evaluations and witness accounts, is under examination.
It was further revealed that the family was already under monitoring by the Social Welfare Services. In light of the incident, the authorities have taken the couple’s other three minor children into protective custody under the care of the Welfare Services.
Kyriakou emphasised the sensitivity of the situation, noting that the involvement of a toddler makes the case particularly serious. “All responsible agencies have been notified and are acting within their respective jurisdictions,” he said. The police investigation is ongoing, and the case file will be submitted to the Legal Service upon completion for further legal assessment.
The Limassol CID continues to investigate all aspects of the incident, aiming to establish the full circumstances leading to the child’s injuries and determine any further responsibilities or criminal liabilities.
Also read: How clean are public swimming pools really?
