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‘Would just like a bit of assurance’: Parents of baby allegedly attacked with hot coffee in Brisbane park plea for more information

The parents of the nine-month-old returned to the park for the very first time since the alleged attack, providing an update.

Major update after man gives baby life-threatening burns in random attack

The parents of a baby who allegedly had hot coffee poured on him have returned to the park for the very first time to renew their pleas to catch the alleged offender.

Nine-month-old Luka was injured on August 27 while having a picnic with his mother at a Brisbane park.

Police allege a man came up to the boy and poured a Thermos of hot coffee on the child, burning his face and chest.

Queensland Police earlier said the 33-year-old man accused of the attack had fled the country on his own passport a day before he was identified by police.

Baby Luka suffered burns to his face and chest after hot coffee was allegedly poured on him. Picture: ABC News
Baby Luka suffered burns to his face and chest after hot coffee was allegedly poured on him. Picture: ABC News
Luka was having a picnic in a Brisbane park with his mum at the time. Picture: Nine News
Luka was having a picnic in a Brisbane park with his mum at the time. Picture: Nine News

He travelled by car to NSW on August 28 before flying out of Sydney airport on August 31, police said.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Police hunt after baby attacked in park

Luka’s parents — who wish to remain anonymous — would told 7NEWS they want more information on the investigation from police.

“We would just like a bit of assurance that we are on the right track, and (that the offender) is going to get caught,” Luka’s father told the outlet on Thursday.

“How (do) they plan on bringing him back? And if they know where he is in that particular country, is that country working with us?”

Appearing at the park, burns could still be seen on Luka.

“He’s really strong and resilient and brave,” his mother said.

Luka’s parents wish to remain anonymous following the alleged attack. Picture: ABC News
Luka’s parents wish to remain anonymous following the alleged attack. Picture: ABC News
Police are searching for a man they believe could assist the investigation. Picture: QLD Police
Police are searching for a man they believe could assist the investigation. Picture: QLD Police

Luka’s father also said the baby boy is “hitting all his milestones” and they “can’t believe how well he is doing”.

The update follows Australian National University Professor of International Law Donald Rothwell revealing it may be difficult to catch the alleged offender.

Speaking hypothetically, Professor Rothwell earlier said if it’s known the alleged offender travelled to a certain country, Queensland Police would be able to put in an extradition request.

“If on the other hand there’s no real understanding as to where this individual may have fled to — or indeed they may have travelled to one part of the world and then of course on arrival crossed borders by land or even by sea — that then becomes exceptionally difficult, and that then sees Australia possibly entering the realm of putting out an interpol request warrant,” he said.

Professor Rothwell concluded the information available at the moment is “still quite sketchy”.

“Matters remain at a preliminary stage at the moment, but most importantly the Queensland Police have identified a suspect as a person of interest,” he said.

Clareese PackerCadet Journalist

Clareese is a Cadet Journalist at Newscorp and has worked across several mastheads since July 2023. She graduated with a Bachelor of Media and Communications (Journalism) from La Trobe University, where she was editor of the student magazine and interned at the Herald Sun. Since beginning her cadetship, Clareese has covered a range of topics from crime and finance to entertainment.

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/would-just-like-a-bit-of-assurance-parents-of-baby-allegedly-attacked-with-hot-coffee-in-brisbane-park-plea-for-more-information/news-story/daac0995d32b7cbf840cb61d76b63075