UK Police have arrested two parents in Norfolk for child neglect, after their 11 year old son weighed in at 15 stone.
Police stepped in after doctors voiced concerns over the child’s welfare, having treated him twice in the past month for weight related illnesses.
The boy, whose mother calls him ‘wee chubby’ as a term of endearment, blames the rapid weight gain on genetics, and insists his favourite food is steamed broccoli.
His parents have since signed a contract with social services that could see him being taken into care for his personal welfare. Speaking to The Sun newspaper, the boy's mother said:
"The idea that they could take away my son scares me so much. I’m nothing without my kids."
Despite trying to implement a controlled diet, and exercising using Nintendo Wii, the boy has not been able to curb his growing weight.
Commenting on the arrest, 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.”
It has not been revealed whether the child has been placed in social services following the arrest.
