Police are investigating two teenagers who allegedly uploaded horrific footage showing them inflicting unthinkable abuse on a child.
The video made international headlines when it was shared to social media showing a child’s head covered with a plastic bag as he struggled to breathe.
Officers say a 13-year-old boy and a girl, 14, who claim to be parents, are currently being investigated.
In the sickening footage, the crying baby could be seen trying to pull the bag off his head – but the person holding him forced it back on.
‘We’re not child abusers, we’re just teaching them discipline. Making sure that they’re not dead, but then can’t breathe,’ the boy could be heard saying.
Police are investigating two teenagers who allegedly uploaded horrific footage showing them inflicting unthinkable abuse on a child
Police have spoken to the teenagers, who have since been released, a spokesman told Daily Mail Australia.
‘Police interviewed a 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl in relation to a video released on social media,’ the spokesman said.
‘They have been released pending summons. The toddler involved is safe and well.’
The pair are expected to soon be charged and will face court over the matter at a later date.
The footage, uploaded to Snapchat, also showed the baby lying in what looked like a bath as water is tipped on his face.
‘He is dying tonight for sure,’ one video was captioned, while another read: ‘I can’t believe he is steal (sic) alive.’
One video was caption: ‘He is dying tonight for sure’ as water is tipped over the baby’s face (pictured)
The pair defended their behaviour in another video, obscuring their faces with emoji icons.
‘That’s my child, that’s our child, yeah,’ they were heard saying.
‘That’s my husband and that’s our child. And you’re not going to teach us how to treat our child, OK?’ the girl said.
The boy then added: ‘If I want to slap my child, I’ll slap him as much as I want’.
Their actions have been roundly condemned on social media, with thousands suggesting the child should be taken from their care.
‘Hope the child has been taken off them. This child will remember this for the rest of his life,’ one wrote on Facebook.
The teenager’s actions have been roundly condemned on social media
‘Poor child, those kids don’t deserve to be parents! The kid will be better off with a foster family anyway,’ another said.
‘Vile creatures! Joking about your child dying. I hope he’s removed from your ”care” ASAP,’ yet another commented.
The Department of Health and Human Services said it was unable to comment on individual matters.
‘The Department works with Victoria Police and a host of agencies to ensure the welfare of children at risk,’ a spokesman said.
The pair, who claim to be the child’s parents, with obscured faces, defend their actions in another Snapchat video (pictured)