London, Apr 30 (IANS): A three-year-old boy was arrested with his father on suspicion of being terrorists in France. The traumatised child, who was later released, was said to be "crying constantly".

The son of an illegal immigrant from the Paris suburb of Juvisy and his father were going to their car after visiting a leisure centre last week when they were arrested, Daily Mail reported Friday.

A police officer said the arrests took place during routine vehicle checks.

The boy and his father were taken to a police station. After about 20 minutes, they were split up.

The man was questioned about links to radical groups, and both he and his son were then formally placed under investigation.

However, the boy was released after two hours.

Local social services said the child was in a "severely traumatised state after his ordeal".

"He can’t sleep and he’s crying constantly. He’s a terrified little boy. The whole thing has been an absolute nightmare for him," a resident was quoted as saying.

A police spokesman said the matter was "being dealt with".