Four-year-old in Lübeck seriously injured by chemical reaction

A loud bang, three young people fleeing and a little later a seriously injured child: After an incident in a park in Lübeck, the police are investigating suspicion of serious bodily harm and causing an explosive explosion. A four-year-old boy suffered chemical burns to his hands and face. According to investigators, permanent damage to the child cannot be ruled out.

The incident occurred on Friday evening in the park on Kutterweg in the Buntekuh district. At around 6:20 p.m., witnesses heard a loud bang near a skate ramp. Three young people are then said to have run away in the direction of Kutterweg.

About 20 minutes later, a father was at the same spot with his four-year-old son. According to police, while playing, the boy reached into a puddle and then touched his face. Shortly afterwards he began to cry. Rescue workers found chemical burns on his hands and face. The father also injured his fingers while trying to help his son. Both were initially treated on site and then taken to a hospital.

Particularly explosive: According to the police's current findings, the young people are said to have mixed "various, over-the-counter substances" together and caused them to react. The investigators did not say which substances were used. Apparently, after the bang, a corrosive liquid remained, which the boy later came into contact with. Whether the three young people were aware of the consequences the residue left behind could have is the subject of ongoing investigations.

The police are now looking for the three teenagers. A witness estimated her age at 14 to 15 years old. One of the suspects is said to have had a Western European appearance and another with an Arabic appearance. The investigators in Lübeck are accepting information on 0451/1310.