The parents of an 11-year-old boy in Norfolk have been arrested on suspicion of child neglect and cruelty after they allowed his weight to balloon up to 15 stone (95kg).
The police became involved after doctors shared concerns about the boy’s health after he needed treatment twice within the space of a month, and found to weigh double the healthy weight for a boy of his age and height.
In a statement, Norfolk Police said:
“Norfolk Constabulary can confirm a 49-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman, both from the King’s Lynn area, were arrested in March on suspicion of child neglect and cruelty under section 1 of the Children’s Act 1933. They have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
“When dealing with sensitive issues such as obesity and neglect of children, officers from the force’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit work closely with partners, significantly with both health care and social services, to ensure any response to address them are proportionate and necessary.”
The boy’s parents blamed his obesity on genetics, but have agreed to sign a letter of intent over his future care, and will face legal proceedings and they boy will be taken into care if they fail to comply and get his weight under control.
