Couple arrested after appearing to give baby shot of vodka

A couple have been arrested on suspicion of child cruelty after shocking footage emerged appearing to show a baby being given a shot of vodka.

An investigation was launched by authorities after the 14-second clip was shared on social media, in which a woman who is believed to be the baby's mother pours clear liquid from what looks like a bottle of vodka.

The woman, who hasn't been named, can be seen pouring the drink into a cap before giving it to the tot as she held his head back.

Meanwhile, a man wearing shorts and trainers, thought to be the child's father, is shown standing by as the drink is administered without intervening, while loud music plays in the background.

After the clip emerged online, many people expressed their concerns, with one sharing the footage while claiming that the couple fed 'their baby vodka' and if anyone knew 'where he [the baby] is'.

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Kent Police later reported that officers were called to a property in Dover, Kent, in the early hours of 21 June following reports of a disturbance.

The authorities confirmed a man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of child cruelty.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Upon attending, officers were made aware of concerns for a child at an address in the area.

"Actions were taken to safeguard those involved and a man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of child cruelty later the same day.

"They have since been bailed and an investigation is ongoing."

Social services were also tipped off about the incident, although the baby is understood to still be with the parents after they were released on bail.

The pair have faced ongoing backlash from hundreds of social media users after the video was shared online.

One woman, who didn't want to be named, said: "It's very sad. I posted about it on Facebook but it kept getting removed.

"I have contacted social services who said the baby is safe, but they are still with their parents."

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Another said on Twitter: "How can anyone outside that home know the child is truly safe? It’s cruel to send the little thing back to the parents.

"The parents need to do some serious time in a facility to teach them better parenting skills. In the meantime, we pray for the little one's safety."

Kent County Council said it was aware of the incident, with a spokesperson stating: "I can confirm social services are aware of this and have taken appropriate action."