Police have arrested a couple after a toddler's tongue was split, his scrotum swollen and his body covered in multiple bruises in Indiana.

Scott Edwards and Holly Cota were hauled into the Virgo County Jail after police in Terra Haute said they were investigating child abuse.

Cota showed up to the Union Hospital in Terre Haute on January 14 claiming her 14-month-old toddler had bit his tongue while falling in his crib multiple times.

But police were called when doctors noted the laceration did not run in a direction consistent with biting.

Scott Edwards (left) has been charged with aggravated battery neglect of a dependant and and Holly Cota (right) has been charged with obstruction of justice

In addition they were unconvinced by Cota's notion that the child had injured his scrotum while straddling a toy box, according to an affidavit obtained by WTHI.

The toddler was covered in bruises, according to the court document.

The affidavit states: 'She said that the cut appeared clean and was not torn which indicated that some type of tool, possibly scissors, were used,' according to Fox News. 'She also said that a piece at the tip of the tongue was missing.'

The child was transported to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis around 80 miles away, to receive expert pediatric care.

He was taken into care by the hospital.

The toddler was transported to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis (pcitured) to receive expert pediatric care

Cota took the child to the Union Hospital in Terre Haute on January 14 before she was arrested and the child transported to Indianapolis

The mother told authorities that the injuries were caused when her boyfriend, Edwards, was minding the child.

Chelsie Loose, who has been a family friend for more than 20 years told WTHI that she was heartbroken, appalled and disgusted by the news.

Edwards is facing charges of aggravated battery and neglect of a dependent, while Cota is charged with obstruction of justice.