A FATHER and mother were left stunned after a man with learning disabilities scratched deep gashes into their toddler’s face in an unprovoked attack.

Chris Scutt, of Stour Close , Dovercourt, was shopping with his wife Jen and 15-month-old son Alvis, in the Tesco store at Brook Retail Park, Clacton.

They alleged that without warning a man, aged in his 50s, launched himself at Alvis, digging his finger nails into the youngster’s face.

Chris said: “I was pushing the trolley with Alvis in.

“Jen stopped to look at the potatoes and while we were stationary, a hand went between Alvis and myself and grabbed his face.

“Suddenly he 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.”

Alvis was given first aid at the store before being taken to Clacton Hospital, where he was treated with antibiotics normally reserved for dog bites.

Chris said he feared Alvis may be mentally and physically scarred as a result of the attack.

He added: “The man who attacked our son had a carer with him.

“My wife and I are very shaken, Alvis doesn ’t want anyone near him and we are concerned that he may not get over this.”

A spokesman for Cephas Care, which runs the care home where the man is living, said: “We take very seriously our role in the care and safety of the people we support.

“As the event is currently under investigation by the police, we are unable to comment in detail.

“However, at the time of the incident we did involve the safeguarding team at the local authority and we continue to work closely with them and the investigating police officer.”

Essex Police said officers were investigating the incident.