Nurses who squashed baby's face accused of child abuse

Three nurses accused of mistreating a baby in a viral video have been suspended and could face "severe penalties" if found guilty.

The nurses, employed by a hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia, allegedly filmed one of them squeezing the face of the baby for their own amusement, while two watched on, laughing at the child's reactions, the Saudi Gazette reported.

The video has since gone viral and sparked an investigation by Taif Health Affairs, resulting in the identification and suspension of the three nurses.

The father of the child told the Gazette he was left stunned after he saw his child in the viral video, adding he'd recently admitted the baby to hospital for treatment for a urinary tract infection.

The man has condemned the nurse's actions and called for stern repercussions.

The three nurses will face severe penalties if found guilty of abuse, Taif Health Affairs spokesman Abdulhadi Al-Rabie confirmed.