Parents are being warned about a viral challenge after an 11-year-old boy was badly burnt as he slept.
The 11-year-old boy, Billy Oliver, was sleeping at a friends house when he was allegedly attacked.
His mother says that at around 2.30am boiling water was poured onto him as part of what is known as the Hot Water Challenge.
He has suffered severe burns to his neck, back, shoulders and upper arms, according to, the Kentucky Herald-Ledger .
Writing on Facebook his mother Patricia Oliver said: “He went to sleep and woke with his friend throwing boiling water on him laughing while my child [fought] to get his clothes off.
“People please talk to your children this is a nightmare. While my child slept he boiled water and poured on my sleeping baby.”
Billy is being treated for second and third-degree burns, reports The Mirror .
The Hot Water Challenge prank involves people drinking or pouring boiling water on themselves.
Patricia wrote: “This is a challenge! Talk to your children people please. I am living a nightmare and had no ideal about this challenge."
The other boy's mother has been arrested on suspicion of failing to seek urgent medical help for Billy after the scalding.
The 42-year-old turned herself in Friday afternoon on charges of criminal abuse and wanton endangerment, authorities said.
Parents have been warned to stay vigilant over the viral craze which has been responsible for a number of related incidents.
