International manhunt for man accused of pouring hot liquid on baby in Australia

Authorities in Australia say they have issued an arrest warrant for a man who they say poured hot liquid on a 9-month-old infant last month, sparking a national and international manhunt.

The incident occurred around midday Aug. 27 at Hanlon Park in Queensland, in the northeastern region of the country, the Queensland Police Service said in a statement Monday.

The suspect, whom police described as a 33-year-old foreign national, "has since left the county and Queensland Police are working with national and international partner agencies to progress this investigation further," police said.

Police have released images of a man who may be able to assist in the investigation into the serious assault of an infant at a park in Australia on Aug. 27, 2024. (Queensland Police )
Police have released images of a man who may be able to assist in the investigation into the serious assault of an infant at a park in Australia on Aug. 27.

The Morningside Child Protection Investigation Unit identified the suspect, police said.

On the day of the alleged crime, a group of people were approached by a man, unknown to them, who poured hot liquid on the baby boy before he ran away, authorities said.

The infant was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, police have said. The child has since been released from the hospital.

Security video shows a man running shortly after the attack, police said.

The man was last seen wearing a black hat, glasses, shirt and shorts. He is of "proportionate build" and has tan skin, police have said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com