Bachok deputy police chief Azrie Sulaiman said the 46-year-old man, who had a history of drug abuse, was believed to have been hallucinating when he attacked the child in Jelawat at around 5.15pm yesterday.

After attacking the boy on the head, he fled the scene on a motorcycle and was found dead in the Pantai Melawi area at around 8.30pm, Utusan Malaysia reported.

Azrie said the man’s death had been classified as sudden death.

His 36-year-old wife was subsequently arrested to assist in investigations for voluntarily causing grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon. She is also being probed for child abuse or neglect.

“The victim is in critical condition and is still receiving treatment at Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kubang Kerian,” Azrie.

“Preliminary medical checks confirmed that the victim suffered serious injuries to the head due to blunt force trauma, believed to be from a hammer.”