A five-month-old baby was saved from an alleged murder attempt by his father after neighbours forced their way into a home in Vecindario, Gran Canaria, following desperate cries for help from the child's mother.

The incident happened in the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana at around 10.30am last Tuesday. Residents heard a violent argument before the woman repeatedly shouted for help, claiming her husband was trying to kill their baby.

Neighbours entered the property and found the woman with injuries to her face and neck. In another room, they discovered the man allegedly attempting to suffocate the couple's five-month-old son.

The witnesses managed to overpower and restrain the suspect before calling the emergency services. Guardia Civil officers arrived within minutes, arrested the man and took over the investigation.

Police have accused the suspect of two counts of attempted murder. Officers also recovered a knife that investigators believe was used to injure the baby's mother.

The baby showed signs consistent with an attempted suffocation, as well as injuries caused by being struck and violently shaken. Both the child and his mother were treated by medical staff and taken to a health centre, but neither required hospital admission. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Investigators say the swift actions of the neighbours, together with the rapid response of the Guardia Civil, were crucial in preventing the baby from being killed.

The suspect appeared before the Court of First Instance in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, where a judge ordered his remand in custody pending trial.

The case has once again highlighted the issue of children being targeted during domestic violence incidents. According to official figures, nine children have been killed in the Canary Islands in cases of this nature since records began in 2013. The most recent fatal case occurred in Arona, Tenerife, in February this year.

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse or concerned about the safety of a child should contact the emergency services immediately by calling 112.