Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

Video Credit: CEN

This is the shocking moment a cruel mother brutally beats her three-year-old son in a bid to get the attention of her estranged boyfriend, the child’s father.

The three-year-old boy is seen crying and appears to be bleeding from his face in smartphone footage the woman filmed herself to send to her ex-boyfriend.

Police later arrested the women, named as Natalia Rosa Martinez, 29, for the attack at her home in the small city of La Quiaca in the north-western Argentine province of Jujuy.

Picture Credits: CEN

Rosa Martinez sent the footage to the tot’s dad but his new girlfriend saw it first and decided to share it on social media and WhatsApp.

The clip sparked a horrified reaction from viewers and police had to intervene after a mob of about 30 people went to the woman’s house.

Local prosecutor Sergio Lello Sanchez ordered police to arrest Rosa Martinez who reportedly claims she was drunk at the time and just wanted to attract the attention of her ex.

The toddler and his two siblings are currently being cared for by relatives while social workers consider whether to take them into care. All three children are said to be in good health.

Ana Rodriguez, secretary of the local Childhood, Adolescence and Family Department, said: “She is a woman with a criminal record, and some complications in life. We’ll keep an eye on the situation to see if the children can stay with their mother.”

Netizen ‘Zoraida’: “I hope she gets a life sentence”, while ‘Yenifer’ added: “I’m happy to know she’s been arrested. Thank God the cops acted in favour of the baby.”