THREE people have been arrested after a seven-year-old was left with ‘life-changing’ injuries having been scalded by boiling water.
Young Owen Atkin, who was injured on May 26, was discharged from hospital yesterday afternoon, after spending almost two weeks in the burns unit at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
Paul Atkin, Owen’s dad, said the little boy was in someone else’s care in Sheffield when he was scalded by water from a kettle which caused injuries to his face.
South Yorkshire Police said a 33-year-old man and a woman, 31, were arrested on suspicion of neglecting a child, while an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. All three have been bailed while enquiries continue.
Around £4,000 has been raised in a week via a Go Fund Me page for Owen and his family, who have been at his bedside since he was taken to hospital, which will go towards a holiday for Owen.
Paul, 36, of Chapel Street, Hoyland Common, has been updating well-wishers via social media and said Owen is smiling again - despite being in considerable pain.
“The hospital staff have been amazing. I would like to pass on my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of the people who have kindly messaged me about Owen.
“His eyesight is hopefully going to be okay but it’s all about controlling the pain and keeping him comfortable.
“The medical team are absolutely fantastic. Obviously he isn’t fully healed and the mental scars might take longer to heal but considering what he has been through, he’s doing remarkably well.”
Police have appealed to the public for information. People are asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, quoting incident 34 of May 27.
