Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: CEN

Video Credit: CEN

This is the moment a father carrying his toddler son in his arms is robbed by three armed thugs who force him to the ground in front of the tot before fleeing in a car.

The shocking incident took place in the Flores neighbourhood of the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, and was recorded by a CCTV camera.

In the video, the father, who has been named as Nicolas in reports, can be seen walking to his car with his son in his arms.

Pictures Credit: CEN

The dad was returning to the car after retrieving his mobile phone from his brother-in-law’s house when another vehicle quickly pulls up next to him.

Three armed thugs rush out of the car towards the father and son, with Nicolas dropping to the ground in fear.

The criminals then empty Nicolas’ pockets, stealing his cash as the toddler looks on. The thugs then sprint into the waiting car and speed off before Nicolas’ relatives come sprinting out of the home.

The father told reporters: “I heard braking and when I looked up I had the three thugs aiming at my head and my son. The first thing I heard was a shout saying give me the money and get down on the ground and do not move.

“Then I did what they wanted and raised my hands. Thank God it was something fast.”

His wife said: “The only thing he had in his head was to protect his son, they only wanted the money. My husband did not refuse and gave them everything he had. When three people are aiming at your son you give them everything.”

She said the boy was shocked by the situation, saying: “The first thing he said when he was me was ladron (thief).”

Police are checking the CCTV cameras in the area in order to identify the thugs and they are also investigating if there were other people involved in the crime. No arrests have been reported.