Baby suffers horror burns on head and chest after stranger 'pours hot coffee on nine-month-old'

The nine-month-old baby boy was having a picnic with his mother at Hanlon Park in Stones Corner in Brisbane when a man approached and poured scalding coffee over the infant

A nine-month-old baby "will have injuries for life" after a yob poured scolding coffee over him.

An international manhunt is underway for the thug, who struck at Hanlon Park in Stones Corner in Brisbane, Australia, where the baby was having a picnic with his mother.

The man fled the scene on August 27 and police have since said they have expanded their search overseas. A prime suspect, a picture of whom police have released to the press, is thought to be a Chinese man. His name has been published in media in China.

Andrew Massingham, Queesland Police Acting Assistant Commissioner, said the offence was one of the “most heinous” and “cowardly” attacks he’d seen throughout his career.

“It’s right up there – I mean we’re going to allege this individual approached that mother and child from behind, inflicting significant injuries on that child. That child will have those injuries for life, but certainly up there with one of the most heinous but also one of the most cowardly, I think,” he said.

The nine-month-old victim underwent four surgeries for burns to his face, arms and legs following the attack. However, Mr Massingham said the child "will have those injuries for life".

Police in Australia had released CCTV imagery of the man wanted in connection, along with details of his movements after the attack. The man is described as in his 30s or 40s and of a proportionate build with tanned skin. He was wearing a black hat, glasses, a shirt and shorts at the time.

Hanlon Park, which is near Brisbane's city centre, is a large, open green space. It features a nature-themed adventure playground for children, and Norman Creek, a tributary of the Brisbane River, runs through the park.