A judge in Pakistan has freed a nine-month old boy who was accused of attempting to murder police after the charges were withdrawn, lawyers said.

The judge announced the decision after a court hearing during which police in the eastern city of Lahore said they had dropped the charge against the boy, lawyer Irfan Tarar said.

The toddler was taken to court last Friday as part of an investigation of an incident where residents in his neighbourhood clashed with police.

Mr Tarar said officers had registered the case against the youngster and his family members without investigating and the judge had sought an explanation.

The case highlights an often dysfunctional criminal justice system where even children are not immune from questionable legal decisions.

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