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An 11-year-old boy was left with third-degree burns after his friend poured boiling water on him as part of the viral “Hot Water Challenge”. his mum claims.

Billy Oliver was staying at a friend's house when it is claimed he was attacked as he slept at around 2.30am on Tuesday, the Kentucky Herald-Ledger reported.

The youngster was severely burnt on his neck, back, shoulders and upper arms following the horrifying incident at the home in Manchester, Kentucky.

(Image: Facebook)

(Image: Facebook)

“He went to sleep and woke with his friend throwing boiling water on him laughing while my child [fought] to get his clothes off,” his mother, Patricia Oliver, wrote in a Facebook post.

“People please talk to your children this is a nightmare. While my child slept he boiled water and poured on my sleeping baby.”

Billy was taken to Cincinnati Burn Center where he was treated for second and third-degree burns and is now recovering.

The dangerous Hot Water Challenge prank involves people drinking or pouring boiling water on themselves and has prompted dire warning from concerned parents.

(Image: Facebook) (Image: Facebook)

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 since been arrested after she failed 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.

(Image: Facebook) (Image: Facebook)

In July, a 15-year-old boy from Indiana suffered third-degree burns on his back and chest after another boy poured boiling water on him as he was sleeping.

In anther case, an 8-year-old girl drank boiling water through a straw for the challenge and later died from burns to her mouth and throat, CBS 12 reported.