Baby boy burned by coffee walking, ‘causing chaos’ before third surgery

The mother of a baby boy burned by coffee in a horrific alleged attack has made a heartwarming update.

A baby boy who was scalded by boiling hot coffee in an alleged random attack in a Brisbane park is back up “walking and causing chaos” while awaiting his third surgery.

Nine-month-old Luka was with his mother and a friend at Hanlon Park on August 27 when he was allegedly attacked by a man who poured a Thermos of coffee over him.

The man allegedly fled from the scene and, despite police releasing images of an individual they wish to talk to about the incident, is yet to be located almost a week later.

A baby burned by coffee is walking before his third surgery.

In an update on Monday, the boy’s mother said the infant was walking again ahead of a third surgery that she hoped would deliver “more information about the next steps”.

“Luka has been incredibly resilient. He’s up and about, walking and causing chaos. He is such a strong little boy and we are so-so proud of him,” she said.

In an earlier update, the woman said Luka suffered serious burns, with those under his neck and chest likely to scar. The prospect of a skin graft has bee raised, the mother said.

Luka was burned by coffee in a Brisbane park last week.

She said she had been “blown away” by the support she and her family had received through a GoFundMe campaign set up to pay for Luka’s medical expenses.

“This GoFundMe will be able to support Luka with all of his ongoing care needs which is truly a weight lifted off our shoulders,” the woman said.

“Not only that it will also support myself, my family, and ongoing mental health, given the nature of the event this will be an extremely long journey ahead for us all.”

Detectives released images of a man who may be able to assist in their investigation.

The campaign was launched in the days after the alleged attack with a target of just $5000; by midday on Monday, it had raised more than $110,000.

Police earlier described the man they wish to speak to as between 30-40 years old, of a proportionate build, with tanned skin. He was wearing a black hat, glasses, a shirt and shorts.

Queensland Police Detective Inspector Paul Dalton described the attack as being “almost like an ambush”, while Premier Steven Miles added that officers were “working hard”.

Originally published as Baby boy burned by coffee walking, ‘causing chaos’ before third surgery