Watch: Abusive father hits toddler with stroller

Manama: An Arab resident in Saudi Arabia was arrested after a video showing him savagely hitting a crying toddler with a stroller while the mother was walking behind them went viral on social media.

The incident happened last week inside a shopping mall in the Eastern Province and prompted outrage among users who called for stringent action against the abuser.

The spokesperson for the police in the Eastern Province confirmed the incident and the arrest.

"Following the posting of the video on social media and the directives of the Deputy Emir of the Eastern Province, the police were able to identify the assailant and arrest him," Ziyad Al Ruqaiti said.

"The police determined he was an Arab national in his 40s. He was remanded in custody and will be referred to the public prosecution. The competent authorities were alerted to conduct a study of the toddler's social condition and take the necessary measures."

Social media users expressed anger at the father, saying he was "shockingly merciless and utterly ungrateful."

"This is obviously a sick man and he must be held accountable for his aggressive behavior. The toddler is not a blessing from God to keep and look after and not his private property," Abu Al Ezz posted.

Another user said that there were no excuses that could be accepted for the father's behavior.

"We do not care about the father's background. He has absolutely no right to treat his son in that shocking way. If he has anger management issues, then he should treat himself, not take it out on an innocent baby," Saud posted.

Noora said that she was familiar with such outrageous attitudes "because my husband, like the father, has a violent character."

"Whenever he gets angry, I race to keep the children away from him lest he hit or abused them," she said. "Professional help is very crucial to change attitudes."

Users, reacting to her comment, urged her to alert the authorities about her situation in order to better protect herself.

Physical abuses are strictly forbidden in Saudi Arabia in all sectors and teachers who punish students corporally are held accountable.