A Portuguese man has been detained in Wieruszowo, central Poland, and charged with the abuse, rape, and murder of a three-year-old boy, of whom he was a legal guardian.

The man faces between 12 years and life in jail.

The man, who was being questioned by prosecutors, aided by a translator, has not admitted guilt.

The 23-year-old mother of the victim was also detained but was not charged.

A spokeswoman for the prosecutors said she was not present during the attack and there was no reason to believe she was involved in any wrongdoing as regards the child, adding that she would be released.

The mother took her child to a local hospital on Friday, from where he was airlifted to a specialist pediatric hospital. The boy died on Saturday due to head trauma. (vb/pk)

Source: PAP