Police in Brazil have seized a stepmum and dad after his toddler son died with horrific head injuries.

Tragic Ian Henrique de Almeida Rocha was taken to hospital from his stepmother’s home in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on 8th January.

He had a head injury, a scratch on his chin, swelling on his forehead, a twisted hand, and stiff legs.

Medical staff became suspicious of the couple’s version of events and called police.

Two-year-old Ian suffered two cardiac arrests in the hospital and was transferred to a larger hospital in Belo Horizonte in a critical condition.

He died from his injuries early on 10th January.

It transpired that his biological mother – Isabela Carolina de Almeida Costa, 27 – had reported his 31-year-old dad to police for child abuse last year after Ian’s eardrum was perforated.

She told local media: “His siblings still don’t know about his death.

“They are always asking what time their little brother will arrive from his father’s house.

“They are missing him to death.”

Military Police arrested the father and Ian’s 34-year-old stepmother on 8th January for failing to provide assistance.

They were later remanded in custody.

Civil Police are investigating them on suspicion of having assaulted the toddler.

They deny any wrongdoing.

Ian’s mother told local media: “In their version of events, he had two falls on Saturday (7th January), at his stepmother’s house, and they didn’t take him to hospital.

“One fall during the day and another at night.

“They only took him to the hospital on Sunday morning, when he was already unconscious.”

Ian had gone to spend New Year’s Eve with his father and was due to return to his mother the day he was admitted to hospital.

He was buried in Santa Luzia on 11th January.

He leaves behind a brother, aged seven, and a six-year-old sister.

Grieving Isabela told police she suspects Ian’s stepmother committed the act of violence and that his father failed to provide help, according to local media.

She said of her son: “He was very happy, he loved making a mess, playing with his siblings. He also loved eating, it was all the time.”