Riyadh police have launched an investigation into the death of an 11-year-old child, who was found cut in half and with several stab wounds in his family's storeroom on Tuesday.

Officers are questioning two maids, one from Indonesia and the other from Sri Lanka, over the death of the youngster, who was cut in half across the abdomen, according to sources.

Riyadh police spokesperson Col. Fawaz Al-Maiman confirmed that a crime took place. However, he urged the media not to publish any information until officers complete their investigation. A statement would be released on the incident, he said.

The boy is the grandson of a well-known businessman.

The family home is in the Al-Rabie neighborhood north of Riyadh, according to reports.