The incident happened last week when the man started punching and then kicking his wife in the stomach who is currently 37 weeks pregnant.

The incident was defused when on off-duty police officer managed to subdue the attacker who is said to have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The man was released by an Alverca court with an electronic ankle brace pending further inquiries.

The baby was later born and both child and mother are reportedly in a satisfactory condition.