The Internal Security Forces announced on Sunday that it had arrested a man who has been abusing his 24-year-old son with special needs since childhood.

The 55-year-old father, identified by his name initials S. Sh., has been locking his son up in the attic of his house in the southern town of Ansar, Nabatiyeh, for more than 20 years, the ISF statement said.

During questioning, the man said that his son suffers growth impairment and physical disabilities, admitting that he and his current wife used to put the son in the attic whenever they were out of home.

Investigators found out that no lighting has been installed in the attic for years.

The man also claimed that his ex-wife, whom he divorced, didn't visit her son since 1995; a statement that the mother confirmed during interrogation.

The son will remain in the custody of his cousin until he could be transferred to a specialized social affairs center, the statement noted.