- Baby Luka’s mother posted a message on Instagram on Saturday
- Severe burns in infants may require skin grafts
- Police still searching for alleged attacker
- READ MORE: Mother’s Biggest Fear
A nine-month-old baby who had hot coffee poured on him in what police say was a deliberate and unprovoked attack has survived his second surgery, but it is unclear how soon he will make a full recovery.
Baby Luka and his mother were at Hanlon Park in Stones Corner in Brisbane around noon on Tuesday when a man approached them, threw hot coffee over the child and then ran away.
The baby suffered severe burns in the alleged horrific attack and underwent the first of what is expected to be several surgeries on Friday, including an assessment of whether he needs a skin graft.
The boy’s mother wrote on Instagram on Saturday that it appeared “the burns under Luka’s neck and chest will leave scars and may require skin grafts.” Another surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3.
She added that it was “not the news” she had hoped for, but she was pleased that “most of his face, arms and legs are healing really well,” accompanying images of the boy almost completely bandaged while he was in hospital.
“I have really struggled with what is happening to Luka; the crying, the pain, every little problem immediately triggers me and takes me back to the traumatic moment,” the woman wrote in a separate Instagram story.
The woman thanked her partner for his support, adding: ‘Constant flashbacks… I feel like a helpless mother who can’t take care of her son the way she wants to… I love my boys more than anything in the world.’
This comes as police are still searching for the man they want to speak to. He is described as a man aged between 30 and 40, of proportionate build, tanned skin and wearing a black hat, glasses, a shirt and shorts.
The boy’s mother wrote on Instagram on Saturday that it “appears the burns under Luka’s neck and chest will leave scars and may require skin grafts,” with further surgery scheduled for Tuesday, September 3.
“I’ve really struggled to process what’s happening to Luka; the crying, the pain, every little problem immediately triggers me and takes me back to the traumatic moment,” the woman wrote in a separate Instagram story
Queensland Police Detective Constable Paul Dalton last week described the attack as “almost like an ambush”, while Premier Steven Miles said he had been made aware of the alleged attack.
“The baby is doing well in hospital and I am sure our doctors have done a fantastic job caring for him. I know our police are working hard to apprehend the alleged perpetrator,” Mr Miles said.
Baby burned by stranger’s hot coffee in Brisbane park.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with the baby’s medical expenses. As of Saturday morning, $97,000 had been raised, well above the $5,000 goal, with individual donations reaching as high as $5,000.
Supporters included businesses and individuals, people who knew the two and strangers, who described the alleged attack as “horrible and unbearable” and said Luka was a “beautiful, innocent soul.”
Detectives have released images of a man who may be able to assist with their investigation.