DAQING - A man from Heilongjiang province has been arrested for recording a video in which he continuously slaps his five-year-old daughter, Chinese media reported.

The disturbing footage, which he later uploaded online, triggered an outcry on social media and prompted a police investigation.

The girl is heard crying in distress as she is hit repeatedly on her face.

Her father, surnamed Jiang, was arrested and later confessed that he had wanted to show the video to his ex-wife and beg her to return to him.

He was detained for 15 days and the girl put in the care of his ex-wife, according to China Global Television Network.

Netizens were united in condemning his action, with one calling the footage "probably (the) most disgusting, cruel, evil, horrible and vicious video I've ever seen in my life".