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Brisbane parents horrified as stranger pours scalding coffee over 9mo baby

The baby underwent surgery after suffering burns to his face and body. 

How to treat burns in kids

A baby has spent the night in hospital with burns after a man allegedly poured a scalding hot drink on him in Brisbane.

The nine-month-old baby was enjoying a picnic with his mum at Hanlon Park at Stones Corner in southern Brisbane at midday on Tuesday when a stranger approached the family. 

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The 9mo was reportedly attacked at Hanlon Park in Brisbane. Picture: Brisbane Kids
The 9mo was reportedly attacked at Hanlon Park in Brisbane. Picture: Brisbane Kids

Baby burned after stranger pours hot coffee on him

The man, who was not known to the mum, then reportedly walked over and poured a hot beverage, believed to be coffee, onto the baby.

After scalding the 9mo with the hot drink, the man fled the scene. 

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An off-duty nurse who was nearby took the 9mo and rushed back to her apartment, where they ran cold water over the baby until the paramedics arrived. 

He was rushed to the Queensland Children’s Hospital with burns to his face, arms and upper body. 

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Overnight, the baby underwent surgery to determine the extent of his burns and is now in stable condition.

Speaking to 9News, the parents of the little boy said they were “heartbroken” by the incident, which has left their son in agonising pain. 

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Locals were horrified by the “terrible” news and couldn’t believe it would happen in their own community. 

“It’s really scary when you think that we haven’t got a community that looks after our young and vulnerable,” a woman told 7News

The attacker has yet to be caught, and an investigation has been launched by the Child Protection and Investigation Unit, who are assessing the park’s CCTV footage. 

Police are urging anyone with information or footage of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Brisbane parents horrified as stranger pours scalding coffee over 9mo baby

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/brisbane-parents-horrified-as-stranger-pours-scolding-coffee-over-9mo-baby/news-story/d8c7238a799a0815dc29d26e93413509