A heinous act of violence has shaken the Stones Corner community in Brisbane, leaving a nine-month-old boy hospitalised with severe burns and his parents pleading for justice.
On Tuesday, the infant, Luka, was enjoying a sunny winter day at Hanlon Park with his mother and a friend when a stranger approached and poured scalding liquid from a Thermos onto the child before fleeing the scene.
Luka suffered severe burns to his chin, neck, and chest, the full extent of which remains unknown until his dressings are removed. His distraught parents, who witnessed the attack, are reeling from the trauma. Luka’s mother expressed online that her son didn’t deserve this, and no one did. She wishes the hot coffee had been poured on her instead of her boy. She emphasised that the man needs to be found and charged.
Police have released chilling CCTV footage of the attacker fleeing the scene and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Detective Inspector Paul Dalton, a 35-year veteran of the force, expressed his shock at the “callous and cowardly” attack.
The attacker is described as being in his 30s or 40s, with a proportionate build and tanned skin. He wore a black hat, glasses, a shirt, and shorts. Police are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend him and vow to hold him accountable for his actions.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page set up by Zara Mazza, a friend of the victim’s mother who witnessed the attack, has already surpassed its $5,000 goal. The funds will assist the family with medical and household expenses during Luka’s long road to recovery.
This senseless act of violence has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about safety in public spaces. As police continue their investigation, residents are left grappling with the aftermath of this horrific incident, hoping for swift justice and a sense of security restored to their neighbourhood.
Published Date 30-August-2024