News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

An evil dad allegedly filmed himself beating his two young children before sending the disturbing footage to his wife in the UK after she left him.

Gabriela Popa reportedly fled from her husband Ovidiu Popa, 41, due to the domestic violence she claims she suffered.

She left her two children, aged 2 and 5, in the care of their father and went to work in the UK, according to reports.

After leaving him, she said that he tried to commit suicide and then made the video of him allegedly beating his children which he then sent her.

In the footage - which Mirror Online is choosing not to show - a man can be heard saying “I will kill you” as the children, aged two and five, are repeatedly hit.

Police confirmed that they have opened a case of domestic violence, and the father was refused contact with his children for five days while they were taken into care by the authorities.

The incident happened in Nicoresti in the eastern Romanian country of Galati.

(Image: CEN)

Police spokesman Gabriela Costin told local media: “Cops went to the man’s house and found him with the children.

"After carrying out checks, it was established that around 12pm on the same day, he had physically assaulted his children and filmed it with his mobile phone.”

Child protection spokesperson Ciprian Groza said: “The children are now out of danger and are staying in a centre with their grandmother.

“The judge will decide whether to take further measures against the father, such as the deprivation of parental rights.”

Meanwhile, the mother has returned to Romania and organised for the children to stay with their father’s relatives.

She said: “I left because of the violence. I had to go back when I saw the video.

“I will get a divorce and raise my children on my own.”

According to local media, the mother has rented a flat close to her children and plans for them to live with her as soon as she finds a job.

The Child Protection Service has confirmed that they are monitoring the case and said that the mother has to prove that she can raise and educate the children by herself before she is granted full custody.

The investigation continues.