Father is the suspect in weekend death of 4-year-old Rotterdam girl

The Public Prosecution Service (OM) believes the death of a 4-year-old girl in Rotterdam was the result of a criminal act, police reported Wednesday. The girl was found dead last Saturday in a home on Blokfluit in the Zevenkamp neighborhood. Attempts were made to resuscitate her, but they were unsuccessful.

Police initially stated that the girl’s body was discovered under suspicious circumstances. The 43-year-old father of the child was arrested following the incident and questioned. On Tuesday, it was announced that he had been released but remains a suspect in the case.

According to the examining magistrate, there were "no serious grounds" to justify his continued detention. However, the OM has contested this decision and filed an appeal. A higher court will now review the matter, though it is unclear when a decision will be made.

Authorities have not disclosed details of what transpired inside the home, which is reportedly the father’s residence. An investigation into the cause of the child’s death is ongoing. According to an OM spokesperson, it has already been determined that the incident did not involve stabbing or shooting. The possible motive of the suspect remains unknown.

A large-scale investigation has been launched into what the OM described as a "high-impact incident." Authorities are calling on anyone with information about the case to contact the police and provide tips.