Schoolboy burned in Nuneaton attack

Police in Nuneaton are urgently seeking information to identify two youths who poured a flammable liquid over an 11 year old boy’s hand and set it alight as he walked through a park in Nuneaton on Wednesday 28 July.

The 11 year old boy was walking with friends on open land near to Inchford Close, Nuneaton, at around 6.30pm when the group was approached by two older youths.

They singled the boy out from the group and demanded money from him. The boy said he did not have any money on him. The two youths then grabbed his hand and poured a flammable liquid, thought to be lighter fluid, over him and set his hand alight.

The boy ran to a nearby house where they were able to douse the flames. His parents then took him to the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton where he received emergency treatment. He was not detained but had to return to the hospital the following day for further treatment to his injuries. The two youths who attacked him are described as being aged 15 – 17 years, both white male. One is 5ft 6 inches and the other 5ft 7 inches. One was wearing brown Rockport boots, blue jeans and a black T-shirt, and was wearing a blue base ball cap with a NIKE logo on it. His accomplice was wearing black Rockport boots with blue jeans and a black t-shirt and had a baseball cap with two blue stripes across the top. One of the youths had his jeans tucked into his boots.

Detective Sergeant Pete Hill from Nuneaton CID said, "This was a totally despicable act for which there can be no excuse. This boy has received burns to his hand. He was treated last night and will be returning to hospital today for further treatment to his injuries. We urgently need to trace the two youths who are capable of doing something so stupid and dangerous and appeal for anyone who recognises the description of them, or who saw anything suspicious in the area near to Inchford Close yesterday evening to come forward. "

Anyone with information is asked to contact Nuneaton CID on 02476 641111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where the information cane be given anonymously and you may be eligible for a cash reward.