The stepfather of a two-year-old boy claimed he pushed 42 "blessed" sewing needles deep into a toddler because his lover told him to, police in Brazil said today.

A TODDLER who had more than 40 sewing needles pushed into his body by his step-father was airlifted to a specialist hospital for emergency treatment yesterday.

A toddler's step-father today admitted sticking more than 40 needles deep into the boy's body, claiming it was a religious ritual.

A TWO-year-old is seriously ill after being admitted to hospital with 50 sewing needles inside him.

A Brazilian toddler has been found pierced with up to 50 sewing needles apparently stuck there one at a time.