Toddler left with blood pouring down his face after man who was not supposed to be around children dug his fingernails into him in the middle of Tesco

A man who was not supposed to be around children sunk his fingernails into a terrified toddler's face in the middle of a busy supermarket. The 15-month old was left with blood pouring down his cheeks and needed hospital treatment after the attack inside Tesco at Brook Retail Park, Clacton

Father-of-three Chris Scutt, 38, was shopping with his wife, Jen and their 15-month-old son, Alvis, when the man launched himself at the youngster.

 

Mr Scutt says he is angry that the carers responsible for looking after the man, who had learning difficulties, had brought him into the store - despite knowing he should not be around children.

Mr Scutt said: 'I was pushing the trolley with Alvis in when Jen stopped to look at the potatoes.

'While we were stationary a hand went between Alvis and myself and grabbed his face.

'He suddenly started crying as I prised this hand from my son's face.

'I turned to hit the person who had done this and saw he had learning disabilities.

'I refrained as my main concern was to care for our son who had blood pouring from his face.'

The shocked family from Clacton-on-Sea were rushed to the first aid station in the store by staff.

Rather than wait for a paramedic, the youngster was taken to Clacton Hospital where his 11 separate cuts were treated with antibiotics normally reserved for dog bites.

Mr Scutt fears his young son may be mentally and physically scarred as a result.

He added: 'The man who attacked our son had a carer with him, who did nothing during the assault and afterwards put him in the car with a second carer, before coming into store to give full details.

'The police have told me that they were informed this man should have not been around children.

'My wife and I are very shaken. Alvis doesn't want anyone near him and we are concerned he may not get over this.

'Jen is devastated, her perfect son may be scarred mentally and physically after this assault.

'We are lucky in one respect as he could have had his neck broken or eye pulled out.'

The family, who run an outdoor roller skating park, also have a daughter Skye, four, and two-year-old George.