Coorparoo: Stranger who threw ‘hot coffee’ on baby ran to church and made desperate attempt – as mother of badly burned nine-month-old baby shares vital health update
The mother of a baby who was doused with scalding hot coffee by a stranger has shared footage of the nine-month-old taking his first steps, as new details emerge about the assailant’s unusual movements.
Little Luka was on a picnic with his mother and friends at Hanlon Park in Coorparoo, Brisbane when an unknown man approached the group around noon on Tuesday.
He poured a thermos of coffee over Luka, after which he fled and went to a nearby church to change.
The nine-month-old boy was rushed to Queensland Children’s Hospital where he is still recovering from emergency surgery.
His mother shared a video on Thursday showing Luka walking and smiling for the first time since the attack.
Luka had only taken his first steps a few hours earlier when he was badly burned, and his parents were relieved that his injuries did not deter him.
“He seems to be back to being happy again, which is nice to see because the last few days have been really hard,” his mother said. 7News.
“He’s doing well. He’s really playing.”
A nine-month-old baby (pictured) who was attacked by a stranger in a Brisbane park has taken his first steps since the horrific incident
The baby boy (pictured with his mother) was enjoying a picnic with his mother and friends when a stranger approached him and poured hot coffee on him
Queensland police released new images of the alleged perpetrator on Thursday (photo)
Queensland police released new images of the alleged perpetrator on Thursday.
He also shared his strange movements immediately after the attack.
He was seen fleeing the park and then visiting a church in Tarragindi, where he changed clothes outside.
He then took a taxi to Brisbane’s CBD and then travelled on to Caxton Street.
According to police, the man was wearing a black hat, glasses, a checked shirt and shorts.
On Wednesday, police released footage showing the alleged attacker running from the park.
He is described as being 30-40 years old, of proportional build, tanned skin and was wearing a black hat, glasses, a shirt and shorts.
The little boy (pictured) suffered burns over 60 percent of his body and had to undergo emergency surgery
A GoFundMe for the baby’s (pictured) medical expenses has raised more than $65,000 in just over a day
A GoFundMe campaign for the baby’s medical expenses raised more than $65,000 in just over a day.
“It has restored my faith in the community and the kindness out there,” the grateful mother said.
The GoFundMe page, set up by a family friend who attended the picnic that was attacked, described the man’s actions as “callous” and “arbitrary.”
‘[The baby] is currently in the hospital and is [expected] “To stay a little longer while he is treated for severe burns,” she wrote.
‘He has a long recovery ahead of him, which will require more doctors and specialists’ [and] hospital appointments.
‘[I] I would like to raise some money for medical and household expenses so that my friend and her family can have less pressure while they take the time to be home and help their beautiful boy heal.’
Anyone who recognises the man or has information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers.
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton said on Wednesday that the baby (pictured before the attack) was in a stable condition
The nine-month-old boy (pictured) was rushed to Queensland Children’s Hospital where he is still recovering from emergency surgery
