Doctors have successfully removed four sewing needles from the lung and near the heart of a Brazilian toddler, allegedly plunged into him by his stepfather during a month-long series of bizarre rituals.

THE stepfather of a two-year-old boy claimed he pushed 42 “blessed” sewing needles deep into the toddler because his lover told him to while in a trance, saying it would keep the couple together, according to police.

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