LAHAD DATU: The bruised body of a three-year-old boy was found with head stuck in-between a tree in Kampung Panji, here yesterday.
Acting Lahad Datu district police chief Superintendent Azmir Abdul Razak said a report on the discovery of the body was made at 3.50pm yesterday.
Initial investigation found that the victim, believed to be sea gypsy, had injuries on his head, hands and left leg.
"The victim's right hand had a rope tied to it while the head was stuck in-between a tree.
"There were injuries to the head, believed to be from a sharp object, and there were cuts on both sides of his left hand and leg," he said in a media statement today.
Azmir said the victim's mother said her son had gone out to play but did not return home.
"The victim was last seen at noon yesterday and the victim's mother searched around the village. At 3pm, the victim's mother was informed that her son was found in Kampung Panji.
"The victim's mother asked members of the public to call the police," he said.
A man, aged around 30 and who was last seen with the victim, has been detained to assist the investigation.
"The suspect tested positive for drugs and is believed to be mentally unsound.
"Also detained are the victim's parents, who are also foreigners, for further investigation," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.