Newsroom
Police in Nicosia are investigating a suspected case of infant abuse after a three-month-old baby boy was hospitalized with symptoms doctors say are consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
According to authorities, the infant was taken to Makarios Hospital last Friday. Medical staff there determined that the baby showed signs typically linked to the syndrome, which can occur when an infant is violently shaken. The hospital formally alerted police on Sunday, prompting an immediate response from investigators.
Officers from the Nicosia Regional Medical Examiner’s Office and the Criminal Investigation Department moved quickly to examine the case and gather evidence.
On Monday morning, police arrested the child’s 28-year-old father in connection with the investigation.
The man is being questioned on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, exposing a child to danger, abusing a minor under the age of 16, and committing negligent acts likely to result in bodily harm, authorities said.
Police stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that no conclusions have yet been reached as they work to establish the exact circumstances that led to the infant’s injuries.
Meanwhile, doctors at Makarios Hospital are closely monitoring the baby’s condition. No further details about the child’s health have been released.
Cases involving shaken baby syndrome are treated with particular urgency by medical and law enforcement authorities, as even brief incidents can result in serious or life-threatening injuries.
Police said further announcements will be made as the investigation develops.
