Liquid explodes in boy's face

Karl Baker suffered flash burns to his face

Police are investigating what has been described as a "ferocious attack" on a 10-year-old boy in north Cornwall.

Karl Baker was playing on the Lamb Park playing field in Kilkhampton, near Bude, on Friday.

Somebody threw a container full of flammable liquid, which exploded in his face.

Karl suffered flash burns to his face, burnt eyebrows and singed hair during the incident.

'Very nasty'

Pc Steve South from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Fortunately for him, the injuries are not very serious. He lost some hair from his head and had a bit of peeling of his skin.

"It could have been a lot worse, from major burns to the loss of an eye potentially.

"It was very unusual and it was very nasty in its ferocity."

Police say they are interested in tracing anyone who saw what happened.

Anyone with information can get in contact by phoning 08705 777444.