DISTRESSING CONTENT WARNING

Appalling footage has emerged showing the moment an 18-month-old boy was picked up and hurled headfirst into the floor by a male tourist in the arrivals hall of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport.

The child, who had just arrived in Russia with his mother after fleeing bombing in Iran, is now in a coma with serious skull fractures and spinal injuries.

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He remains in a critical condition, fighting for his life.

Security footage shows the alleged attacker, who has been identified as 31-year-old Vladimir Vitkov from Belarus, lingering near the child, who was standing beside the suitcase.

Mr Vitkov appears to check his surroundings before suddenly seizing the toddler and throwing him with force onto the floor. A man is seen rushing in to pick up the gravely injured child.

The attack occurred while the boy’s pregnant mother was collecting his pushchair following their flight, the Daily Mail reported.

According to reports, the family had reached Russia after a difficult journey through Afghanistan.

Mr Vitkov, who reportedly flew into Moscow from either Cyprus or Egypt, was swiftly detained by police on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs. Investigators are examining whether the act was potentially racially motivated or driven by other factors.

Moscow Region Children’s Ombudswoman Ksenia Mishonova condemned the assault, stating: “A drug-addled monster grabbed a toddler in the arrivals hall and threw him on the floor with all his might.”

“All this is incredibly difficult to bear. I hope the detained monster will receive the full severity of the law. I wish the child a speedy recovery. May the parents have the strength to survive this.”

According to Russian Investigative Committee reports, traces of cannabis were found in Mr Vitkov’s blood. Additional reports suggest he was also found in possession of illegal substances. He has been described as unable to explain his actions clearly.

When questioned by authorities about prior offences, Mr Vitkov reportedly responded: “I made mistakes like that.”

Reports indicate he has a daughter the same age as the child he allegedly assaulted. A female friend of the suspect was said to be “in shock” over his actions.

Mr Vitkov is currently under investigation for attempted murder.

A statement from the Investigative Committee said: “A man, while in the airport arrivals area in a state of drug intoxication, grabbed a child and, lifting him, threw him to the floor with considerable force.”

“The boy was hospitalised in a medical facility for assistance. The man’s criminal actions were stopped by eyewitnesses of the incident.”

The incident occurred just before midnight in the airport’s departure lounge.

Sheremetyevo International Airport is Russia’s busiest, handling more than 40 million passengers and over 300,000 aircraft movements annually.